Presidency extends policing bill submission deadline by eight days

Nigeria's Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has extended the public submission deadline for the proposed legislation by eight days. The new deadline is August 21, moving from the original August 13 date.

Femi Gbajabiamila, the working group's chairperson and chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, stated the extension allows more time for contributions. The National Assembly previously passed legislation to establish state policing, a reform President Tinubu believes will combat Nigeria's insecurity.

The federal government outlined a seven-week plan, including calls for public input on transitioning to a state police system. The proposal suggests state police services would coordinate with federal police under a National Police Council, with safeguards like legislative confirmation of commissioners and independent service commissions.

While proponents see state police as a solution to insecurity, critics, including former police chiefs, fear potential abuse by state governors. The government aims to address these concerns through public participation. The extension is intended to ensure well-considered contributions to a new national policing framework, covering operational, administrative, and funding aspects, with safeguards for accountability and rights.

“

These considerations underscore the importance of robust stakeholder engagement in developing a framework that is effective, accountable, sustaina