The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to contribute to the development of the proposed National Policing Bill by submitting memoranda and policy recommendations aimed at shaping the framework for state policing.
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‎The invitation was announced by the Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, following a meeting of the committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
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‎In a statement issued on Tuesday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said contributions from members of the public would be reviewed and incorporated into the draft legislation before it undergoes wider national consultations ahead of its submission to the National Assembly.
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‎According to him, the working group is reviewing existing laws, including the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, police regulations and other relevant legal instruments to create a modern and effective policing system.
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‎He explained that the proposed legislation is expected to establish national policing standards, define conditions for state police readiness and certification, clarify operational responsibilities, provide independent oversight mechanisms, safeguard human rights and ensure sustainable funding.
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‎Onanuga said the submission window would remain open for two weeks, encouraging citizens, civil society organisations, academics, security agencies, professional bodies, and state and local governments to make contributions.
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‎He disclosed that the draft Executive Bill is expected to be presented to President Bola Tinubu on September 3, 2026, after which broader consultations will be held before the legislation is finalised.
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‎The presidential spokesman added that the proposed law would spell out guidelines covering recruitment, training, oversight, funding and transition arrangements to ensure an accountable and efficient policing structure nationwide.
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‎He further stated that any state seeking to establish its own police service must first demonstrate adequate capacity in areas such as recruitment, personnel screening, training, remuneration, pensions, equipment, detention facilities, complaints handling, disciplinary procedures, data management, firearms control, independent oversight and long-term financial sustainability.
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‎Speaking at the meeting, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who represented the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, described the establishment of state police as one of the landmark reforms of President Tinubu’s administration.
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‎The call for public input comes weeks after the National Assembly approved the state policing bill following its transmission by President Tinubu.