By Amah Alphonsus Amaonye, AWC Director General
ABUJA – July 7, 2026 – The Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Working Group on State Policing as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and develop a more responsive policing system capable of addressing emerging security challenges across the country.
The inauguration, held at the State House, Abuja, brought together senior government officials, legal experts, security stakeholders, and representatives of key institutions involved in Nigeria’s justice and policing reforms.
The working group is expected to examine critical issues surrounding the establishment and implementation of state policing, including legal frameworks, operational structures, accountability mechanisms, funding models, and coordination between federal and sub-national security institutions.
The initiative follows growing national conversations on the need for a decentralised policing system that can improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community engagement, and enhance rapid response to crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and other security threats.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Committee on State Police and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who has been leading state-level discussions on the proposed reform.
Also present were the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN); President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN); and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN).
Other key participants included the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN); Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations, Mrs. Oyinade Nathan-Marsh; Special Assistant to the President on Legal Matters, Tomi Belgore; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Planning and Research, Mr. Dubem Moghalu; and Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat, Dr. Adulateef Shittu.
Representatives of security and legal institutions also participated, including DIG Isyaku Mohammed, representing the Inspector General of Police; Director General of the National Institute of Police Studies, Prof. Olu Ogunsakin; and Director General of the Nigeria Law Reform Commission, Prof. Dakas Dakas.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, stakeholders noted that effective state policing must be built on strong legal safeguards, professional standards, respect for human rights, and mechanisms that prevent abuse of power.
The working group is expected to provide recommendations that will guide government policy and legislative actions towards creating a policing model that combines national coordination with stronger local security intelligence.
The inauguration marks another major step in the Federal Government’s efforts to respond to longstanding calls from governors, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and security experts for reforms that will make policing more community-based and effective.
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