State police: Presidency closes public submissions today

The Nigerian Presidency has set August 13, 2026, as the deadline for public submissions on the proposed National Policing Bill, inviting citizens to share their views on the potential establishment of state police forces. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the bill, stated that the consultation seeks to integrate the experiences and professional expertise of Nigerians into the legislation.

Gbajabiamila highlighted that the submissions are crucial for addressing key concerns, including political interference, oversight mechanisms, police misconduct, and intelligence sharing between federal and state police services. He clarified that this consultation does not diminish the National Assembly's role in scrutinizing and passing the bill. "For too long, the debate has been framed as a choice between effective local policing and protection from political abuse. Nigeria needs both," Gbajabiamila said, emphasizing the goal of bringing policing closer to the people while maintaining strong national standards and independent oversight.

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For too long, the debate has been framed as a choice between effective local policing and protection from political abuse. Nigeria needs both.

A significant focus of the proposed reforms is to embed robust safeguards against the potential misuse of state police by governors. Gbajabiamila acknowledged the legitimate concerns about political interference and abuse of power due to the proximity of state police to governors. "The concern that governors might use state police against political opponents, minority communities or dissenting voices is serious and must be answered in the design of the law," he stated. The framework aims to ensure state police operate within their jurisdictions while adhering to the constitution, human rights, and the rule of law.

The reforms intend to create a policing system that is more responsive and informed by local conditions. Gbajabiamila noted that officers familiar with a community's language, geography, and crime patterns are better equipped to gather intelligence and address security threats effectively. The process also aims to ensure proper recruitment, training, equipment, and supervision of officers, alongside accessible complaint and oversight mechanisms for citizens.

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The concern that governors might use state police against political opponents, minority communities or dissenting voices is serious and must be answered in the design of the law.