The federal government has announced a seven‑week programme to guide Nigeria’s transition from a unitary policing system to one that allows for state police.

The initiative includes a nationwide call for memoranda, inviting citizens and institutions to contribute proposals on how to establish a credible framework for state policing.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the “Presidential Working Group on the proposed National Policing Bill has invited Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy proposals as part of efforts to establish a comprehensive legal and operational framework for state policing.”

President Bola Tinubu has made the creation of state police a central programme to tackle insecurity.

A constitutional amendment bill has already passed the National Assembly but requires approval from 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies and Tinubu’s signature to become law.

Concerns that governors might misuse state police have been addressed in the proposed framework.

According to Onanuga, the plan will set national minimum standards, define readiness criteria, grant certification, clarify jurisdictional responsibilities, ensure independent oversight, uphold human rights, and guarantee sustainable funding.

Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Working Group, Femi Gbajabiamila, explained that a proposed State Police Service must demonstrate credible arrangements for recruitment, vetting, training, pay, pensions, equipment, custody, complaints, discipline, data, firearms control, oversight and financial sustainability before it begins operations.

The Working Group has adopted a seven‑week timetable running from 27 July to 14 September 2026.

A draft Executive Bill is scheduled for presentation to President Tinubu on 3 September 2026, followed by national consultations before final approval.

Stakeholders And Safeguards

The Working Group is reviewing the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, police regulations and other relevant laws to support the transition.

The Attorney‑General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said the bill is designed to guarantee security while ensuring state police do not become tools for political persecution.

Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, described the initiative as a landmark reform. He clarified that the legislation is intended to provide operational guidance rather than centralise control.

Other participants at the meeting included Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu, Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe, Policy Advisory Committee Chairman Abdullahi Liman, and Brigadier General Olutayo Adesuyi representing the National Security Adviser.

The call for memoranda will run for two weeks, allowing citizens, civil society, academics, security agencies and local governments to contribute. Submissions will be integrated into the draft bill before further consultations.