National Assembly: Seven-Week Roadmap for State Policing Framework

• The Nigerian government has announced a seven-week roadmap for developing a comprehensive legal and operational framework for state policing.
• The proposed National Policing Bill will set national minimum standards, define state readiness, and grant certification to ensure that state police forces meet certain requirements.
• The constitutional amendment bill to allow for state policing has been passed by the National Assembly, but it still needs support from 24 state assemblies and President Tinubu's signature to become law. As of August 4, 2026, it has not yet been transmitted to the state assemblies.

The proposed framework will set national minimum standards, define state readiness and grant certification, clarify jurisdictional responsibilities, ensure independent oversight, uphold human rights, and guarantee sustainable funding.

The Nigerian government has announced a seven-week roadmap for the development of a comprehensive legal and operational framework for state policing. At its core, this framework aims to establish national minimum standards, define state readiness, and grant certification to ensure that state police forces meet certain requirements. The proposed National Policing Bill will also clarify jurisdictional responsibilities, ensuring that there is no overlap or conflict between federal and state police agencies. This move is part of President Bola Tinubu's efforts to address insecurity across the country by creating a dual-policing structure. Critics have raised concerns about potential abuse by state governors, but the framework being developed addresses these issues by setting national minimum standards and ensuring independent oversight.

The constitutional amendment bill to allow for state policing has already been passed by the National Assembly, but it still needs the support of 24 out of Nigeria's 36 state assemblies and the signature of President Tinubu to become law. As of August 4, 2026, this bill has not yet been transmitted to the state assemblies for their consideration. This bill aims to alter the constitution to allow for state policing, a move that has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. The Police Act 2020 will also be reviewed as part of this process, along with other relevant laws, to support the development of an effective, modern policing system. The Presidential Working Group on the proposed National Policing Bill is reviewing these laws to ensure that they align with the new framework being developed.

The establishment of a national minimum standard for state police forces will have far-reaching implications for security and governance in Nigeria. The new framework will set out requirements for recruitment, training, oversight, funding, and transition arrangements to ensure credible, effective, and accountable policing nationwide. This move is also expected to clarify jurisdictional responsibilities, reducing the risk of conflict between federal and state police agencies. As the country moves towards a dual-policing structure, it is essential that these new standards are met to ensure that state police forces operate effectively and efficiently.

Lawyers should watch for the proposed National Policing Bill's progress, as it will set national minimum standards and clarify jurisdictional responsibilities, potentially impacting state police operations and compliance with existing laws.

Source: Original reporting via PREMIUM TIMES