Federal Government Invites Nigerians to Help Shape State Policing Bill

The Federal Government has invited Nigerians to submit ideas and policy proposals for a new National Policing Bill that will provide the legal framework for state police across the country.

The announcement came on Monday after a meeting of the Presidential Working Group on the proposed bill at the State House in Abuja.

The group is chaired by the President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

According to the Presidency, the working group is reviewing the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, police regulations and other laws to develop what it described as "an effective, modern policing system."

The government said the public will have two weeks to submit memoranda.

Contributions from citizens, security agencies, civil society groups, state and local governments, professionals and academics will be reviewed before the draft bill is finalised and sent to the National Assembly.

The working group has also approved a seven-week timetable from 27th July 27 to 14th September.

A draft Executive Bill will be presented to President Bola Tinubu on 3rd September before wider national consultations.

Gbajabiamila said the proposed law would ensure that any state wishing to establish its own police service meets strict requirements.

"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," he said.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, representing the Nigeria Governors' Forum, described state police as "a landmark reform" and "one of the defining reforms" of the Tinubu administration.

He said there was "no Federal attempt to control State Police," adding that the bill is meant to provide "an operational framework rather than centralise control."

Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi said the bill is designed to protect lives and property while ensuring state police "does not become a tool for political persecution."

He added that states not yet ready to establish their own police services would continue to rely on the Nigeria Police Force until they meet the required standards.