FG Opens Public Consultation on State Police Bill

The Federal Government has opened public consultation on the proposed National Policing Bill ahead of its planned presentation to President Bola Tinubu on September 3, 2026.

The Presidential Working Group on the bill has invited stakeholders to submit memoranda and proposals on the proposed state police system.

The submissions are expected to address issues including funding, recruitment, jurisdiction, federal-state police relations and safeguards against abuse.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on August 13, 2026.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has backed the creation of state police, describing it as necessary to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

However, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria urged the government not to rush the process and called for wider consultations.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said the proposed framework must prevent state police from being used for political intimidation or oppression.

He said the bill would establish standards for professionalism, accountability and effective policing across the country.