State Police Bill Ready for Tinubu’s Review by Sept. 3, Says Gbajabiamila

The Presidency has set a seven-week deadline for drafting the proposed state police bill, with the executive version expected to be submitted to President Bola Tinubu for review on September 3, 2026.

Femi Gbajabiamila, chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, disclosed this on Monday after the committee’s inaugural meeting at the State House in Abuja.

According to him, the approved work schedule for the bill runs from July 27 to September 14, 2026, covering drafting, consultations and preparations for transmission to the National Assembly.

Tinubu had in July inaugurated the presidential committee tasked with developing the legal framework for the establishment of state police across the country.

Gbajabiamila said administrative and technical work on the bill had already commenced, adding that once the president approves the draft, a nationwide consultation will follow before the final document is sent to lawmakers.

“The approved work programme is a seven-week, milestone-driven exercise running from July 27 to September 14, 2026,” he said.

“The resulting executive bill package is scheduled for presentation to the president on September 3. Subject to his approval, a national consultation on the completed draft will follow, after which the text and supporting materials will be revised and prepared for formal transmission to the National Assembly.”

He stressed that although the timeline is tight, it should not be seen as an attempt to rush the process.

On the financial implications of creating state police, Gbajabiamila said it was too early to give a cost estimate, noting that any figure would be based on detailed research and state-by-state assessments.

He added that Nigerians would be able to participate in the drafting process by submitting memoranda through the website, nationalpolicingbill.com.

“There is no cost to securing life and property,” he said.

“At this stage, giving a cost estimate would amount to guesswork. The final cost will be evidence-based and determined through thorough research, taking into account the peculiar security needs, infrastructure and personnel requirements of each state.”

Gbajabiamila also said the public would have about 10 days to submit contributions, with the possibility of extending the period if necessary.

“The public is included. Regardless of your position in life, you have an opportunity to contribute meaningfully, because the idea behind state policing is for every Nigerian to take ownership of the process,” he added.