Presidential working group submits 30 bills to pave way for state police
The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has submitted a draft National Policing Bill, 2026, and 29 consequential amendment bills to the Federal Ministry of Justice for legislative review, bringing the proposed establishment of state police a step closer.
The bills were submitted on Monday, October 19, to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for drafting review and validation, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and chairman of the working group.
The submission followed the completion of the drafting stage of the working group’s assignment, in line with its work plan.
The ministry is expected to return the validated bills to the working group on or before Friday, October 30, after which the group will give them final consideration before presenting them to the President.
The proposed National Policing Bill seeks to establish a legal framework for a dual policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
According to the statement, the Justice Ministry’s review is intended to ensure that the bills conform to legislative drafting standards and conventions and do not conflict with existing laws.
“The Working Group remains committed to a rigorous and transparent process that will deliver a comprehensive legislative proposal for consideration by the President and subsequent transmission to the National Assembly,” Gbajabiamila said.
The statement added that work on the policing bill was proceeding alongside the consideration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, by the state Houses of Assembly.
