The Nigerian government is set to present the State Police bill to President Bola Tinubu on September 3, according to Femi Gbajabiamila, a top presidential aide. The announcement was reported by Channels Television on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Gbajabiamila, who serves as chief of staff to the president, said the executive bill would be formally handed over to Tinubu on that date. The move follows months of public debate over the creation of state-level police forces in Nigeria, a proposal that has drawn both support and opposition across the country.
According to Channels Television, the bill will only become operational after all necessary constitutional amendments are concluded. This means the legal framework for state police would need to be fully revised before any state government could establish its own law enforcement agency.
The timeline for the bill's presentation comes amid broader discussions on federalism in Nigeria. The Guardian has published commentary linking the state police proposal to ongoing questions about the balance of power between federal and state governments. Meanwhile, Punch Newspapers reports that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has called for broader engagement before the policy is rolled out, suggesting that religious and community leaders want more input in the process.
The push for state police has been a recurring topic in Nigerian politics, with proponents arguing it would improve local security responses. Opponents have raised concerns about potential abuse of power and the financial burden on state governments.
The September 3 presentation to Tinubu will be a key milestone, but the bill's path to becoming law remains lengthy. Observers will be watching whether the president endorses the bill and how quickly the National Assembly moves on the required constitutional changes.
