President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, a committee tasked with developing the legal framework needed to implement state police across Nigeria.
The inauguration was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with the President represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The move follows the National Assembly’s Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026, which proposes the establishment of a dual policing system consisting of the Federal Police Service alongside 36 State Police Services.
According to the Presidency, while the constitutional amendment provides the legal basis for creating state police, the National Policing Bill will define how the system will function in practice.
President Tinubu explained that the proposed legislation would address key operational issues, including minimum policing standards, certification requirements for states, coordination between federal and state security agencies, accountability measures, protection of human rights, and funding arrangements necessary for the effective operation of state police.
He said the committee was established to ensure that a comprehensive draft of the National Policing Bill is ready immediately after the constitutional amendment process is completed, avoiding unnecessary delays in implementation.
Tinubu stressed the importance of beginning work on the legislation before the constitutional process concludes so that the country can move swiftly once the amendment is approved.
Femi Gbajabiamila will chair the Presidential Working Group, while members include the Attorney-General of the Federation, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chairman of the NGF Committee on State Police, and other key stakeholders. A dedicated secretariat will provide administrative support for the committee.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun assured that state governors would support efforts to fast-track the constitutional amendment once it is transmitted to the various State Houses of Assembly for ratification.
Abiodun described state policing as a response to Nigerians’ long-standing calls for a more community-based security system. He also noted that the proposal recognizes the success of regional security outfits such as Amotekun in improving security at the grassroots.
According to him, the introduction of state police would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security network by increasing the number of law enforcement personnel nationwide, estimating that states could collectively recruit nearly 200,000 additional officers.
He praised the Federal Government for beginning implementation planning before the constitutional amendment process is completed, describing the approach as proactive.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, described the initiative as necessary in view of Nigeria’s current security situation. He urged state governors to work closely with their State Houses of Assembly to ensure the speedy ratification of the constitutional amendment.
Also speaking, Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe expressed support for decentralizing plicing, arguing that Nigeria’s security challenges require a system that allows states to play a greater role in maintaining law and order.
However, he cautioned that the enabling law must include strong safeguards to prevent abuse of power and ensure accountability while protecting the constitutional rights of citizens.
Osigwe also pledged the NBA’s support in helping the committee develop a legal framework that strengthens security without compromising democratic principles and human rights.
