Nigeria unveils policing reform roadmap
Nigeria's Federal Government announced a seven-week roadmap for a National Policing Bill, a step towards state policing. This initiative aims to transition Nigeria's security architecture from a centralized federal to a dual state policing system. The move addresses calls for decentralizing law enforcement to address complex security challenges.The Presidential Working Group invited proposals during a two-week public input window to ensure broad participation. Feedback from citizens, professionals, civil society, security agencies, and governments will be crucial in shaping an effective, accountable framework.The roadmap runs from July 27 to September 14, 2026. The draft Executive Bill will be presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 3, 2026. National consultations will follow before final approval and transmission to the National Assembly.The Bill establishes requirements for recruitment, training, oversight, funding, and transition, ensuring credible and accountable policing. It sets national minimum standards for state police operations, defines readiness criteria. The bill clarifies jurisdictional responsibilities, guarantees independent oversight, upholds human rights, and secures funding.To prevent abuses by state governors, the framework includes safeguards for transparency and professionalism. The Attorney-General affirmed the bill aims to guarantee security and prevent state police from becoming tools for political persecution. States not prepared for their own police continue with Federal Police until standards are met. This phased approach ensures an orderly transition.
