Tinubu to Review State Police Bill September 3, Invites Public Input
President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the Executive National Policing Bill for review on Sept. 3 as the Presidency moves into the final stage of efforts to establish a legal framework for state policing in Nigeria.
The Presidency also unveiled a public information portal to enable Nigerians submit memoranda and position papers that will help shape the proposed legislation before it is forwarded to the National Assembly.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed that the Presidential Working Group had adopted a seven-week work plan running from July 27 to Sept. 14, 2026.
According to him, the Executive Bill package will be presented to President Tinubu on Sept. 3 for consideration.
He described the proposed legislation as a landmark reform that had been the subject of national debate for years.
Gbajabiamila explained that although both chambers of the National Assembly had passed the constitutional amendment on state police, it had yet to become operational because it still required approval by state Houses of Assembly.
He noted that until the constitutional process was completed, the Nigeria Police Force would remain the country’s only constitutionally recognised police institution.
He added that the proposed state policing framework would include safeguards to prevent abuse by political officeholders.
According to him, the initiative is designed to strengthen security without allowing governors or other public officials to use state police for political intimidation or selective enforcement of the law.
Gbajabiamila urged Nigerians to take advantage of the newly launched online portal by submitting recommendations that could improve the proposed legislation before its transmission to lawmakers.
Responding to concerns over the financial implications of establishing state police, he said it was too early to determine the cost, stressing that no amount would be excessive when it comes to protecting lives and property.
