Tinubu Draft State Police Bill Submission Deadline: Nigeria

• The Presidential Working Group on the proposed National Policing Bill has invited Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy proposals over two weeks.
• Submissions will be reviewed and integrated into the draft bill, which will then undergo further national consultation before being finalized and sent to the National Assembly.
• States not meeting required standards may continue to benefit from Federal Police presence until they are certified.
• The proposed legislation is intended to provide an operational framework rather than centralise control.

The Presidential Working Group on the proposed National Policing Bill has been reviewing existing laws to develop an effective policing system. This includes examining the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, and police regulations. The group aims to establish a comprehensive legal and operational framework for state policing. To achieve this, they have invited Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy proposals over the next two weeks. Submissions will be reviewed and integrated into the draft bill, which will then undergo further national consultation before being finalized and sent to the National Assembly.

The proposed framework for state policing is designed to set national minimum standards for recruitment, training, oversight, funding, and transition arrangements. This will ensure credible, effective, and accountable policing nationwide. The draft Executive Bill, scheduled for presentation to President Tinubu on 3 September, will trigger national consultations before final approval. Compliance officers should note that states not meeting required standards may continue to benefit from Federal Police presence until they are certified. The proposed legislation is intended to provide an operational framework rather than centralise control.

The establishment of state police is a landmark reform and one of the defining reforms of President Tinubu's administration. According to Governor Dapo Abiodun, State Police will demonstrate credible arrangements for recruitment, vetting, training, pay, pensions, equipment, custody, complaints, discipline, data, firearms control, independent oversight, and financial sustainability before it begins policing. The proposed National Policing Bill is designed to guarantee the security of lives and property while ensuring that the establishment of state police does not become a tool for political persecution.

Lawyers should watch for the draft Executive Bill's presentation to President Tinubu on 3 September, which will trigger national consultations before final approval. Compliance officers should note that states not meeting required standards may continue to benefit from Federal Police presence until they are certified.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica Nigeria