By Seun Ibiyemi
The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has completed the drafting of the proposed National Policing Bill 2026 and submitted it, alongside 29 consequential amendment bills, to the Federal Ministry of Justice for legislative review and validation.
The submission marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to establish a new legal framework for policing in Nigeria, including a proposed dual policing structure comprising the Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
According to a statement issued by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, the draft legislation was submitted to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on October 19, 2026.
Gbajabiamila said the submission was made in accordance with the Working Group’s work plan, adding that the Ministry of Justice would review the proposed bills to ensure compliance with legislative drafting standards and conventions and prevent conflicts with existing laws.
The ministry is expected to return the validated draft bills to the Working Group on or before Friday, October 30, 2026.
Following the review, the Working Group will undertake a final consideration of the bills before presenting them to President Bola Tinubu, bringing its assignment to a close.
The proposed National Policing Bill seeks to provide the constitutional and legislative framework for a dual policing arrangement under which federal and state police services would operate.
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The proposal comes amid ongoing national discussions over the restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture and calls for state policing as a means of addressing the country’s security challenges.
However, the proposed framework must pass through further constitutional and legislative processes before it can become law.
Gbajabiamila disclosed that the preparation of the National Policing Bill was progressing alongside the ongoing consideration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, by the State Houses of Assembly.
He noted that consideration of the constitutional amendment must be completed before the bill is transmitted to the National Assembly.
The constitutional process is a critical component of the proposed policing reform, as any changes requiring constitutional backing must satisfy the applicable amendment procedures.
The Working Group reiterated its commitment to a rigorous and transparent process, expressing its determination to deliver a comprehensive legislative proposal for the President’s consideration and subsequent transmission to the National Assembly.
If the proposal advances through the required stages, it could pave the way for a major restructuring of policing responsibilities between the federal and state governments.
The final outcome will depend on the completion of the legal review, the Working Group’s final consideration, presidential action and the subsequent constitutional and legislative procedures.
