Nigeria’s proposed policing reforms have entered a new phase following the submission of the National Policing Bill, 2026, and 29 consequential amendment bills to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The Presidential Working Group submitted the documents on Monday, October 19, according to a statement reported by Voice of Nigeria. on October 21.
Working Group Chairman and Presidential Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila said the ministry would review the drafts for compliance with legislative drafting standards and identify potential conflicts with existing laws.
The reviewed documents are expected back on or before Friday, October 30, 2026.
Proposed Federal and State Police Structure
The proposed framework provides for a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
After the ministry completes its review, the working group will undertake a final consideration before presenting the documents to President Bola Tinubu.
The drafting exercise is progressing alongside state assemblies’ consideration of the associated constitutional amendment.
According to the working group’s statement, that constitutional process must be concluded before the proposed policing legislation is transmitted to the National Assembly.
More Assemblies Support Reform
Nigeria Info reported that assemblies in Ogun, Delta, Plateau, Kwara and Adamawa had backed the constitutional amendment.
The station said they joined earlier supporting assemblies, as proponents sought the required approval from at least 24 states.
Supporters argue that locally organised policing would improve intelligence gathering and shorten response times to security threats.
However, concerns remain about political interference, funding and safeguards against the use of police powers to intimidate opponents.
Legislative Procedure Also Faces Scrutiny
The process has also generated litigation. In an earlier report, LegalLinkz detailed a Federal High Court challenge questioning the procedure used by the House of Representatives to approve the constitutional amendment.
The plaintiffs alleged that the voting procedure did not satisfy constitutional requirements. The House disputed the allegations and maintained that it complied with the Constitution and its rules.
That suit concerns the legislative process, rather than simply whether state policing is desirable.
The submission to the Justice Ministry is therefore a significant drafting development, while the constitutional, legislative and accountability questions surrounding implementation remain central to the reform.
Related stories:
- State Police Bill Faces Fresh Federal High Court Challenge
- Oyo Assembly Approves State Police Amendment
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