President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed retired Hon. Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Liman as Chairman of the multidisciplinary Policy Advisory Committee on the proposed National Policing Bill, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reform its policing architecture.
The appointment places Justice Liman at the forefront of the government’s plans to develop a legal and policy framework for the proposed transition to state policing, a key component of broader security and governance reforms.
The committee is expected to provide expert guidance on the proposed National Policing Bill, bringing together professionals from the judiciary, security agencies, public policy, technology, and subnational governments. Its mandate includes examining the constitutional, institutional, and operational issues surrounding the establishment of state police while recommending safeguards to ensure accountability, coordination, and effective service delivery.
Congratulating Justice Liman on his appointment, supporters described the assignment as a significant national responsibility at a defining moment in Nigeria’s security reform agenda. They expressed confidence that his extensive judicial experience, integrity, and commitment to public service would provide the leadership required to steer the committee’s work.
The proposed state policing framework has remained a major topic of national discourse, with advocates arguing that decentralising policing would improve security responses to local challenges, while others have called for strong constitutional and institutional safeguards to prevent abuse.
Justice Liman and members of the advisory committee have been wished success as they undertake the task of shaping recommendations expected to influence the future of policing and internal security in Nigeria.