FG Sets September 3 Target For State Police Bill Review

The Federal Government has set a seven-week timetable for fresh public input on the proposed state police bill, with a September 3 target for submitting the draft to President Bola Tinubu.

The move keeps state policing on the front burner as the Presidency and National Assembly try to settle details of a reform that could change how internal security is handled across the country.

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, said the bill would be opened up for public discussion before the final version is sent for presidential review. Premium Times and Daily Trust both reported the September 3 timeline.

The reports said the process is expected to collect views from the public and other stakeholders before the bill is finalised. The proposal is part of the wider push to let states play a stronger role in policing, especially as governors continue to complain that the current structure leaves them with limited control over security agencies in their states.

The latest timetable does not mean state police has already been approved. It points to the next stage of consultations before the bill can move through the formal legislative and presidential review process.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Trust