The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has started looking at memoranda and position papers sent in by Nigerians. This is part of the effort to include public input in the proposed law.
This new law will help set up state police, which is a major security change by President Bola Tinubu's administration.
The submissions were collected during a nationwide consultation. They are being reviewed alongside the drafting of the bill. Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and chair of the working group, shared this information in a statement on Thursday evening.
Gbajabiamila explained that the review aims to make sure important recommendations and views from the consultations are included as the bill is developed.
Many groups have contributed to the consultation. This includes institutions, professional bodies, civil society organizations, security experts, and everyday Nigerians.
He also mentioned that the review is happening while legal drafters from the Federal Ministry of Justice start the first drafting phase under the working group’s seven-week plan.
Review Process
The Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), led by retired judge Mohammed Liman, has finished the first stage of its oversight. They have also provided guidance for the drafting process, Gbajabiamila said.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, the working group has extended the deadline for submissions. They want to give the public more time to share their thoughts. This new deadline is tomorrow, August 21, at 5 p.m.
The National Policing Bill is meant to create a constitutional and legal framework. This framework will support both a Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
The National Assembly has already passed a constitutional amendment bill for state police. The Senate approved its version in June, and the House did the same in July. The current review suggests that President Tinubu plans to send a new bill to the lawmakers.
The proposed framework is also expected to include rules for accountability and oversight for the new police setup.
Gbajabiamila stated that the working group will continue drafting after the consultation period ends. Their aim is to create a solid proposal for the president and then send it to the National Assembly.
He thanked all the institutions, organizations, professionals, experts, and public members who contributed to the consultation. Their input will be key in developing a policing structure that meets Nigeria’s current security needs.
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