Nigeria's National Policing Bill Development Underway

The federal government has initiated the development of a National Policing Bill to establish a dual policing system in Nigeria. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasized that the country will not rush into creating State Police without adequate safeguards, national standards, and a robust legal framework.

After chairing the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill in Abuja, Gbajabiamila noted that significant progress has been made in the National Assembly regarding constitutional amendments for State Police. The Senate approved the proposal on June 24, 2026, and the House of Representatives passed the Executive State Police Bill on July 23, 2026.

However, the amendments must still receive approval from State Houses of Assembly. Gbajabiamila clarified that the Nigeria Police Force remains the only constitutionally recognized police institution until all constitutional processes are completed.

The Presidential Working Group is tasked with ensuring a smooth transition to the new policing structure, including auditing existing laws and developing an implementation framework.