On 3 August 2026, the Federal Government’s launched a seven-week roadmap for developing the proposed National Policing Bill. The Presidential Working Group, chaired by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, is expected to work from 27 July to 14 September 2026 on a framework for state police, national minimum policing standards, state readiness and certification, recruitment, training, oversight, funding, and accountability. Nigerians, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and other stakeholders have been invited to submit memoranda and policy proposals through the government’s online submission portal during a two-week public-input window. The draft Executive Bill is expected to be presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 3 September 2026.
The roadmap launch takes place within Nigeria’s continuing debate over the creation of state police and the decentralisation of internal security. The proposed framework is expected to address national minimum policing standards, state readiness and certification, recruitment, training, funding, oversight, accountability, and coordination between federal and state police services. The process is significant because it could reshape policing responsibilities across Nigeria while also raising concerns about political interference, human-rights protection, command structures, and safeguards against abuse of state police powers.
Before the public consultation closes on 13 August 2026, civil society organisations should prepare and submit evidence-based memoranda, drawing on consultations with affected communities and closely monitoring whether the consultation process remains inclusive, participatory and transparent. Civil society should also coordinate a joint position paper that highlights key safeguards, including the protection of human rights, independent complaints and accountability mechanisms, effective civilian oversight, safeguards against political interference, gender-responsive policing, robust data protection measures, and clear delineation of federal and state policing responsibilities.
In addition, civil society should establish an independent monitoring mechanism to track public submissions, proposed amendments and implementation commitments throughout the reform process. This mechanism should document any instances of intimidation, harassment or abuse associated with the reform and produce accessible public briefings that keep citizens informed of developments. Collectively, these actions would help ensure that state policing reforms enhance public safety, accountability and respect for human rights, rather than creating opportunities for abuse or political repression.