Femi Gbajabiamila Announces Approval of State Police Bill

The Presidency expressed satisfaction as the State Police Amendment Bill has been approved by 24 out of 36 State Houses of Assembly, meeting the constitutional requirement of two-thirds. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, commended the decisive action of the State Assemblies and the National Assembly for passing the amendment.

This amendment allows for a dual policing system in Nigeria, comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services. The amendment will now be returned to the National Assembly for transmission to the President for assent, in accordance with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.

Gbajabiamila noted that the draft National Policing Bill, along with 29 consequential amendment bills, has been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Justice for legislative drafting review. The validated bills are expected to be returned by October 30, 2026, for final consideration before presentation to the President.