Presidency unveils plans for new federal and state policing framework

Nigeria's presidency is moving forward with plans to reform the country's policing structure by establishing a high-level working group. This group is tasked with drafting the necessary legal architecture to implement a new model of federal and state policing.

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This is a monumental reform that Nigerians have debated for many years. The central task is to “design a lawful, professional and sustainable federal and state policing system that places greater capability closer to the people while preserving national standards, national security and the rights of every Nigerian.”

The initiative aims to create a policing system that enhances capability closer to the people while maintaining national standards, security, and citizens' rights. This reform addresses a long-standing debate in Nigeria regarding the structure of its law enforcement.

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group of the National Advisory Committee on State Policing, announced an open call for public input. Memoranda, position papers, and practical proposals are being solicited from Nigerians both domestically and abroad, as well as from professional bodies, civil society organizations, security institutions, and other stakeholders.

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Public participation is an integral part of this process. To that end, I am announcing an open call for memoranda, position papers and practical proposals from Nigerians at home and abroad, professional bodies, civil society, security institutions, state and local actors, experts and other stakeholders to inform and improve the legislative proposals and other deliverables that the Working Group will produce.

Submissions are due by August 13, 2026, and can be made through the dedicated website, www.nationalpolicingbill.com. The contributions will be organized and considered, with a national consultation phase planned to scrutinize the specific clauses, safeguards, funding proposals, and transition arrangements of the draft bill once it is ready. The draft Executive Bill itself is slated for presentation to President Bola Tinubu on September 3, 2026.

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Those submissions will be organised by theme and recorded. When the completed draft is ready, the national consultation will allow Nigerians to engage with the actual clauses, safeguards, funding proposals and transition arrangements. The process will show not only what was submitted, but how material proposals were considered.