State Police Operational After Constitutional Amendments

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, stated that state police will only be operational across Nigeria's 36 states after the ongoing constitutional amendments are completed. He outlined that no state can begin policing operations until it proves readiness in recruitment, training, equipment, pensions, complaints handling, financial sustainability, firearms control, and independent oversight.

Gbajabiamila stressed that operational commencement must be based on readiness rather than mere announcements, ensuring that all Nigerians receive equal protection regardless of their location. He asserted that the Federal Government is committed to a decentralized policing system that does not compromise national unity or the rule of law.

The working group plans to submit an executive bill package to President Bola Tinubu on September 3, 2026, which will include a comprehensive implementation blueprint for the proposed state police system, following nationwide consultations and final approval before transmission to the National Assembly.