Gbajabiamila: Tinubu Will Get Draft of State Policing Amendment Bill Sept. 3

Nigeria is moving closer to establishing a framework for state police, with a draft bill set to be presented to President Bola Tinubu on September 3. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, announced that the executive bill package is part of the effort to create the legal and operational foundation for the proposed system.

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Operational commencement must be based on readiness, not announcement.

However, state police will not become operational across the 36 states until the ongoing constitutional amendment process is concluded. Gbajabiamila emphasized that each state must demonstrate readiness in crucial areas such as recruitment, training, equipment, pensions, complaint handling, financial sustainability, firearms control, and independent oversight before being allowed to commence policing operations. "Operational commencement must be based on readiness, not announcement," he stated.

The federal government is committed to ensuring that this decentralization of policing does not undermine national unity or the rule of law, with Gbajabiamila cautioning, "State police cannot mean 36 state militias." He stressed that while states have a role in public safety, no political officeholder should be able to direct the arrest of opponents or suppress lawful political activity. Federal intervention in state policing matters will remain exceptional, evidence-based, proportionate, time-limited, and reviewable, with officers accountable to the constitution.

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No Nigerian should receive a lower standard of protection because of where they reside.

The executive bill package will go beyond draft legislation to include an implementation blueprint for a dual federal-state policing architecture. Following the draft's completion, a nationwide consultation will be held before the president grants final approval. The bill will then be transmitted to the National Assembly. Gbajabiamila described the initiative as one of the country's most significant governance reforms, aiming to ensure that no Nigerian receives a lower standard of protection based on their place of residence.

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State police cannot mean 36 state militias.