The federal government has allayed widespread fears of abuse of state police by state governments, assuring that the proposed framework will set national minimum standards, define state readiness, grant certification and clarify jurisdictional responsibilities. Critics of the introduction of state police in the country argue that state governors may abuse them. However, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Aviser to the Presidenthas assured that the framework being developed would address such concerns. “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. It would also spell out an orderly transition to a dual-policing structure,” he said. Onanuga, in a statement said the “Presidential Working Group on the proposed National Policing Bill has invited Nigerians to submit memoranda and policy proposals as part of efforts to establish a comprehensive legal and operational framework for states." Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Working Group, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced this Monday August 3 after the Working Group’s meeting at the State House, Abuja. He disclosed that already, the Presidential Working Group is reviewing the Police Act 2020, the Police Service Commission framework, police regulations, and other relevant laws to support the development of an effective, modern policing system. Onanuga added that President Bola Tinubu has made state police one of his cardinal programmes to address insecurity across Nigeria. The Mandate news recalls that a bill to alter the constitution and allow for state policing has already been passed by the National Assembly but still needs the support of 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies and the signature of the president to become law. The presidential committee has, on its part, urged Nigerians to contribute to its work. “The call for memoranda will run for two weeks, allowing citizens, professionals, civil society, security agencies, state and local governments, academics, and other stakeholders to contribute. Submissions will be reviewed and integrated into the draft bill, which will then be subject to further national consultation before being finalised and sent to the National Assembly,” Onanuga wrote

Posted: 1week ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 14 August 2026