By Chesa Chesa
The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has submitted the draft National Policing Bill, 2026, and 29 consequential amendment bills to the Federal Ministry of Justice for legislative drafting review and validation.
The submission, made on October 19, was announced on Tuesday by the Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Working Group, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The Ministry of Justice is expected to complete its review and return the validated draft bills to the Working Group on or before October 30, 2026.
According to a presidency press statement, the review is intended to ensure that the proposed legislation complies with established legislative drafting standards and conventions and does not conflict with existing laws.
Following the validation process, the Working Group will give the bills final consideration before presenting them to President Bola Tinubu, thereby concluding its assignment.
The proposed National Policing Bill seeks to establish a constitutional and legislative framework for a dual policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
The development represents a step towards the proposed restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system, with the draft legislation expected to provide the legal framework for the operation of federal and state police services.
Gbajabiamila said the Working Group remained committed to a rigorous and transparent process that would produce a comprehensive legislative proposal for the President’s consideration and eventual transmission to the National Assembly.
The preparation of the National Policing Bill is proceeding alongside the ongoing consideration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, by the State Houses of Assembly.
The constitutional amendment process must be completed before the bill can be transmitted to the National Assembly, the statement added.
The Presidential Working Group’s submission to the Justice Ministry marks the completion of the drafting stage of its assignment, with legislative review and validation now preceding the final presentation of the proposals to the President.
