Policing Bill to Hit National Assembly Soon - Gbajabiamila

Femi Gbajabiamila, the chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, said the National Policing Bill will be sent to the National Assembly in "about a week or so." This follows feedback from state governors.

Gbajabiamila shared this news with journalists in Abuja after leading a committee meeting at the State House on Thursday. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga provided this information.

He stated, "The National Policing Bill is more or less ready for transmission to the National Assembly." He added the committee will meet one more time to "make sure every area is covered."

According to PREMIUM TIMES, the committee was formed on July 7 after the National Assembly approved the state police bill. This was part of President Tinubu’s focus on key security reforms. The constitutional change allows state police but does not outline how they will operate, which led to the committee's creation.

To start its work, the committee set a seven-week plan from July 27 to September 14. This plan aims to review current laws like the Police Act 2020 and draft the new policing law.

During this time, the committee also opened a two-week period for public input. They invited proposals from security experts, civil society, and ordinary Nigerians to ensure accountability. The committee received various suggestions from the public.

While the committee worked on the bill in Abuja, the constitutional amendment was also moving forward across the country. For this amendment to be valid, 24 out of the 36 State Houses of Assembly need to approve it. Progress has been good, with states like Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, and Zamfara already passing the ratification bill.

Gbajabiamila mentioned, "The governors have one or two observations," but he did not share details.

Still, many Nigerians, including lawmakers and former police leaders, are worried about how governors might misuse the system.

Gbajabiamila called the bill "the most consequential Bill of the administration." He denied rumors of resistance from states that have not yet passed the amendment bill.

"I see no reason why anyone will want to have a rethink on it," he said, noting there is a "national consensus" among Nigerians on this issue.