State Police: Tinubu’s Panel Submits 30 Bills for Security Reform
Proposed Decentralisation of Policing Raises Hope for Improved Security as Federal Government Introduces Legal Framework to Protect Citizens
Nigeria’s decades-long agitation for the establishment of state police has entered a crucial stage as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration intensifies efforts to restructure the country’s security architecture and bring law enforcement closer to grassroots communities. The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has submitted the draft National Policing Bill, 2026, alongside 29 consequential amendment bills to the Federal Ministry of Justice for review, marking a significant milestone in the proposed transition from centralised policing to a dual federal and state policing system.
Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed that the legislative documents were formally submitted to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, on Monday, October 19, 2026. According to him, the submission represents the completion of the drafting phase of the committee’s assignment, while the Ministry of Justice is expected to examine the proposed legislation to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions, legislative drafting standards and existing laws before returning the validated documents by October 30.
The proposed reform is expected to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s internal security structure by establishing a Federal Police Service alongside State Police Services, allowing state governments to respond more effectively to local security challenges. Under the proposed arrangement, federal policing authorities would retain responsibility for national security matters, including terrorism, organised crime and interstate criminal activities, while state police formations would concentrate on community security, enforcement of state laws and protection of lives and property within their respective jurisdictions.
Beyond addressing the persistent challenges of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and communal violence, the proposed state police arrangement has generated considerable debate over accountability, funding and the possibility of political interference. Concerns have particularly centred on the risk of governors using state-controlled security formations against political opponents. However, the proposed constitutional framework contains safeguards intended to strengthen independent oversight, guarantee operational standards and prevent the abuse of police powers for partisan purposes.
Gbajabiamila explained that the validated bills would undergo final consideration by the Presidential Working Group before being presented to President Tinubu for possible transmission to the National Assembly. Meanwhile, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, is already undergoing consideration by the 36 State Houses of Assembly, with at least 24 assemblies required to endorse the constitutional amendment. The legislative process remains essential because state police cannot legally commence operations until the necessary constitutional and statutory approvals have been secured.
For Nigerians who have endured years of insecurity, the proposed reform represents an opportunity to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve emergency response and restore confidence in law enforcement institutions. Nevertheless, the success of state policing will depend not merely on constitutional amendments but also on adequate funding, professional recruitment, effective training, transparent leadership and strong accountability mechanisms. As the Tinubu administration advances the proposed legislation, attention will increasingly focus on whether the reform can deliver a more responsive, efficient and people-oriented security system capable of protecting communities across the federation.
