Tinubu Launches National Policing Bill Working Group

On Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This initiative aims to prepare a legal framework for implementing state police across Nigeria, following the National Assembly's passage of a constitutional amendment to allow for state police in 2026.

The proposed dual policing structure will consist of the Federal Police Service and 36 State Police Services. The National Policing Bill will provide the necessary legal structure for this implementation and address issues critical for the smooth operation of state police systems.

The committee, chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, includes members such as the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian Bar Association Chairman, and representatives from the Nigerian Governors' Forum. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun pledged support for the swift implementation of the reform plan, emphasizing the need for community-based policing.

The initiative is seen as a response to Nigeria's long-standing demand for improved security.