ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has announced that its proposed National Policing Bill is 90 per cent complete and is expected to be transmitted to the National Assembly within two weeks, as President Bola Tinubu's administration advances plans to establish state police services in Nigeria.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed the development on Thursday, October 15, following a meeting of the Presidential Working Group on policing reform at the State House in Abuja.

Gbajabiamila, who chairs the working group, said the committee was finalising the proposed legislation, with only a few outstanding issues raised by state governors requiring further consideration.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the bill is expected to provide the legal and operational framework for the proposed restructuring of Nigeria's policing system.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Gbajabiamila expressed confidence that the remaining consultations would be concluded shortly, allowing the legislation to proceed to the National Assembly.

He said the committee might hold one final meeting to address outstanding concerns and ensure that the proposed law adequately covers the responsibilities and operational arrangements of federal and state police institutions.

“The National Policing Bill is more or less ready for transmission to the National Assembly,” Gbajabiamila said, confirming that preparations had reached approximately 90 percent completion.

He added that state governors had submitted observations requiring attention before the document could be finalised.

Describing the proposed legislation as one of the most significant initiatives of the current administration, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives said extensive consultations had taken place since the committee began deliberations on August 3.

The development comes amid renewed national discussions about decentralising Nigeria's security architecture and allowing states to establish their own police services.

Under the existing constitutional framework, policing is primarily controlled at the federal level through the Nigeria Police Force.

Supporters of state policing argue that decentralisation could improve security responses by allowing locally established police institutions to address threats within their communities more effectively.

However, concerns have also been raised about the possibility of political interference, inadequate funding, jurisdictional disputes and the potential misuse of state-controlled police institutions.

The proposed National Policing Bill is intended to address some of these issues by establishing operational standards for recruitment, training, financing, oversight and cooperation between federal and state police services.

Gbajabiamila also addressed concerns about the pace of the constitutional amendment process, following reports that only about six states had approved the Sixth Constitution Alteration Bill relating to state policing.

Despite the reported slow progress, he expressed optimism that the remaining states would support the amendment, arguing that there was widespread recognition of the need to reform the country's policing arrangements.

“I see no reason why anyone will want to have a rethink on it,” he said.

The proposed constitutional amendment has already been transmitted to the 36 state House of Assembly for consideration.

Its passage remains a critical requirement for the establishment of state police, as constitutional changes must satisfy the necessary legislative approval procedures before becoming law.

Thursday's meeting brought together senior government officials and security stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

Also in attendance was the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, while the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice were represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba.

Other participants included the Chairman of the Policy Advisory Committee, retired Justice Abdullahi Liman; Head of the Nigeria Police Reform Secretariat, Professor Olu Ogunsakin; and Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Dr Lanre Smart.

The Presidential Working Group was established in July 2026 to develop a comprehensive legislative framework for the proposed state policing system.

The initiative forms part of the Tinubu administration's broader security reform agenda, aimed at addressing persistent concerns about insecurity and the effectiveness of law enforcement across Nigeria.

The country continues to confront multiple security challenges, including kidnapping, armed banditry, insurgency and communal violence, prompting renewed calls for a policing structure that responds more directly to local security needs.

While the proposed legislation represents a significant step in the reform process, the establishment of state police will depend on legislative approval, constitutional amendments and the development of safeguards to protect citizens' rights.

The Federal Government's announcement signals that the long-running debate over state policing is moving towards a more concrete legislative stage.

However, the effectiveness of any future decentralised policing system will ultimately depend on its funding, operational independence, accountability mechanisms and ability to protect communities without political interference.

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