The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has commenced the first drafting phase of the proposed legislation that will provide the constitutional and legal framework for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

The Working Group, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said on Thursday that it remained on course to complete its assignment within the seven-week timeline approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said that the extended window for the submission of memoranda and position papers closes on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (WAT).

In a statement on Thursday, Gbajabiamila said: “Since its inauguration, the Working Group has progressed from its initial organisational phase to substantive policy and legislative work, with the first drafting sprint on the proposed National Policing Bill now underway.

“The Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), chaired by Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Liman, JCA (rtd.), has been convened and has completed the first stage of its oversight mandate, providing the policy direction required to guide the legislative drafting process.

“Legal Drafters nominated by the Federal Ministry of Justice have also commenced work under the first drafting sprint, in line with the approved workplan and timetable of the Working Group.

“The national consultation process running alongside the drafting exercise has recorded substantial engagement from institutions, professional bodies, civil society organisations, security stakeholders, experts and members of the public.

“Memoranda and position papers received through the consultation process are being systematically reviewed and analysed to ensure that relevant recommendations and perspectives are appropriately considered as work on the Bill progresses.

“The Working Group therefore reminds interested institutions, organisations, professionals and members of the public who are yet to make submissions that the extended window closes at the stated time.

“As the consultation window closes, the Working Group will intensify its focus on the next phase of the drafting process, while sustaining the pace established during the opening weeks of its seven-week assignment.”