State Police Bill to be Presented to Tinubu on Sept 3

The executive bill package for establishing state police in Nigeria is scheduled for presentation to President Bola Tinubu on September 3, following the inaugural meeting of the presidential working group led by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President. This initiative is part of a significant governance reform aimed at creating a dual federal-state policing architecture, which will only be operational once the constitutional amendment allowing state police is enacted.

Gbajabiamila emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains the constitutionally recognized police institution until the necessary laws are in place. The reform includes a review of the Police Act 2020 and aims to establish minimum national policing standards, independent complaints institutions, and human rights safeguards.

A multidisciplinary Policy Advisory Committee, chaired by Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Liman, has been approved by Tinubu to oversee the bill's development. The work program runs from July 27 to September 14, focusing on legal drafting and policy research.