The Presidential Working Group on the proposed National Policing Bill has invited Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy proposals as part of efforts to establish a comprehensive legal and operational framework for state policing.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, said the call was made by Chief of Staff to the President and chairman of the Working Group, Femi Gbajabiamila, after the Working Group’s meeting at the State House, Abuja.
“Submissions will be reviewed and integrated into the draft bill, which will then be subject to further national consultation before being finalised and sent to the National Assembly,” he stated.
Mr Onanuga noted that the working group is reviewing the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, police regulations and other relevant laws to support the development of an effective, modern policing system.
According to him, the proposed framework will set national minimum standards, define state readiness and grant certification, clarify jurisdictional responsibilities, ensure independent oversight, uphold human rights, and guarantee sustainable funding.
Mr Onanuga added that call for memoranda will run for two weeks, allowing citizens, professionals, civil society, security agencies, state and local governments, academics, and other stakeholders to contribute.
Mr Onanuga explained that the draft Executive Bill was scheduled for presentation to President Bola Tinubu on September 3, 2026, with national consultations to follow before the final approval.
“A proposed State Police Service must demonstrate that it has credible arrangements for recruitment, vetting, training, pay, pensions, equipment, custody, complaints, discipline, data, firearms control, independent oversight and financial sustainability before it begins policing.”
In his remarks, representative of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the state police as one of the defining reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The invitation came weeks after the National Assembly passed the bill following its transmission by Mr Tinubu.
“The new National Policing Bill will set out requirements for recruitment, training, oversight, funding, and transition arrangements to ensure credible, effective, and accountable policing nationwide,” the presidential spokesperson added.
