President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to review the proposed Executive National Policing Bill on September 3, 2026, as the Federal Government moves closer to introducing a legal framework for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
The Presidency disclosed this on Monday while announcing the launch of a new public information portal that will allow Nigerians to contribute ideas and recommendations before the bill is transmitted to the National Assembly.
The announcement was made by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, after a meeting of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to Gbajabiamila, the ongoing exercise is part of a seven-week reform programme designed to produce a comprehensive and workable policing framework for the country.
“The resulting Executive Bill package is scheduled for presentation to the President on the 3rd of September,” he said.
He explained that after nationwide consultations, the President will review the final draft before it is forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.
Public Invited to Contribute
Gbajabiamila also unveiled nationalpolicingbill.com, a platform through which Nigerians can submit memoranda and suggestions to help shape the proposed legislation.
According to him, the portal is open to all Nigerians, regardless of their background or profession.
“The website has gone live already for members of the public to learn about the stages of what we’re doing and to actually contribute. The public is included, no matter your station in life,” he said.
‘State Police Is Not Yet Operational’
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives clarified that although both chambers of the National Assembly have passed the constitutional amendment on state policing, the process is not yet complete.
He explained that the amendment must still receive approval from the required number of State Houses of Assembly before it can become law.
“Until that process is concluded, there is no operational State Police Service anywhere in Nigeria, and the Nigeria Police Force remains the constitutionally recognised police institution,” Gbajabiamila stated.
‘State Police Must Not Become Political Tool’
Speaking on the proposed policing system, Gbajabiamila stressed that state police should never be used for political intimidation or the persecution of opponents.
“State Police cannot mean 36 state militias,” he said.
He added that no political office holder should have the power to order the arrest of political rivals or selectively enforce the law, insisting that federal intervention should only occur in exceptional situations backed by evidence.
Cost Yet to Be Determined
When asked about the financial implications of establishing state police across Nigeria, Gbajabiamila said it was too early to provide an estimate.
According to him, the cost will be determined after detailed research, taking into account the unique needs and capacities of each state.
“There is no cost that will be too much to secure lives and property,” he added.
The Presidency says the public consultation process will continue for about two weeks before the final draft is submitted to President Tinubu for consideration.
