The Federal Government has announced a major step toward the creation of state police in Nigeria, revealing that the proposed executive bill is expected to be ready for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s review by September 3, 2026.
The announcement was made on Monday by Femi Gbajabiamila, chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill. According to him, the presidency has set a seven-week timeline for the completion of the draft, signaling the administration's determination to push forward with one of the country's most significant security reforms.
Gbajabiamila explained that members of the working group have been given a clear deadline to prepare a comprehensive legal framework that will outline how state police would operate if eventually approved. Once completed, the executive bill will be presented to President Tinubu for review before it is transmitted to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.
The proposed state police system has remained a major topic of national debate for years. Supporters believe that allowing states to establish and manage their own police forces would improve security, reduce response times to criminal activities, and address local security challenges more effectively than the current centralized policing structure.
Nigeria has continued to face various security threats, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes, and other violent crimes across different regions. Many stakeholders argue that a decentralized policing system would enable state governments to respond more quickly to these challenges while working alongside federal security agencies.
However, the proposal has also attracted concerns from some political leaders, legal experts, and civil society groups. Critics have warned that state police could be abused by state governments for political purposes if strong constitutional safeguards and accountability mechanisms are not put in place. They have called for clear operational guidelines, independent oversight, and strict legal protections to prevent misuse.
Despite these concerns, the Tinubu administration has repeatedly expressed its commitment to reforming Nigeria's security architecture. The establishment of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill is seen as part of broader efforts to modernize the country's law enforcement system and strengthen internal security.
The seven-week deadline demonstrates the presidency's urgency in advancing the proposal. If the executive bill is successfully reviewed and approved by President Tinubu on September 3, it will move to the National Assembly, where lawmakers will debate its provisions and determine whether it should become law.
As Nigerians continue to monitor developments, the proposed state police bill is expected to remain one of the most closely watched legislative initiatives in the country. Its outcome could significantly reshape Nigeria's policing system and influence the future of security governance across the federation.
Further updates are expected as the Presidential Working Group progresses with drafting the bill and prepares to submit it for the President's review.