By Our Correspondent
The Federal Government has announced that the long-awaited State Police Bill will be ready for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s review by September 3, marking a major step in the ongoing effort to reform Nigeria’s security system.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed that the committee responsible for drafting the proposed legislation is in the final phase of its work and is expected to submit the completed bill within the scheduled timeline.
According to Gbajabiamila, the bill is designed to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the establishment and operation of state police across the country. He said the proposed legislation seeks to address growing security concerns by creating a policing system that allows states to play a greater role in protecting lives and property while working alongside federal security agencies.
He explained that the committee has held extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including state governments, members of the National Assembly, security agencies, legal experts, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations. The consultations, he said, are intended to ensure that the bill reflects the views of Nigerians and provides practical solutions to the country’s security challenges.
Gbajabiamila noted that the committee is also considering measures that will prevent abuse of state police by political office holders. According to him, the proposed legislation will include provisions on oversight, accountability, operational guidelines, and cooperation between state police formations and existing federal law enforcement agencies.
The introduction of state police has remained one of the most debated security reforms in Nigeria. Supporters believe it will improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and enable faster responses to crime and other security threats. They also argue that officers who are familiar with the language, culture, and terrain of their communities are better positioned to tackle local security challenges.
However, some stakeholders have expressed concerns over the possibility of political interference and misuse of state-controlled police forces. They have called for strong constitutional safeguards to ensure professionalism, respect for human rights, and operational independence.
Gbajabiamila expressed confidence that the final draft of the bill would strike a balance between strengthening security and protecting democratic principles. He said the committee remains committed to producing a document that will meet constitutional requirements and enjoy broad public confidence.
Once submitted to President Tinubu for review, the proposed bill is expected to proceed through the necessary legislative process before it can become law. If eventually passed and signed, it could reshape Nigeria’s policing structure by giving states a more direct role in maintaining law and order while complementing the efforts of federal security agencies.
The planned submission of the State Police Bill represents another milestone in the Federal Government’s push to strengthen the country’s security architecture as authorities continue to seek lasting solutions to insecurity across Nigeria.
