Nigeria’s 36 state governors have thrown their weight behind the long-debated proposal for the creation of State Police, signalling renewed political backing for one of the country’s most controversial security reforms.
The position was reached under the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) after a late-night meeting held in Abuja, which stretched from Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday.
The decision was contained in a communiqué signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Governors Push for Constitutional Safeguards
According to the Forum, while there is broad agreement on the need for decentralised policing, the proposed structure must be firmly rooted in the Constitution and designed in a way that protects citizens’ rights and aligns with Nigeria’s federal system.
The governors explained that their position followed detailed presentations from the NGF secretariat and a delegation of state Attorneys-General, who reviewed ongoing constitutional amendment proposals tied to the establishment of State Police.
The Forum stressed that consultations with legal experts were necessary to ensure that the final framework does not create jurisdictional conflicts between federal and state security agencies.
“The outcomes of these consultations will strengthen the collective position of the States,” the communiqué noted.
Legislative Push and Broader Reforms
The renewed backing from governors comes as the National Assembly continues legislative work on the State Police bill, which has already passed through the House of Representatives and scaled second reading in the Senate.
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Beyond security restructuring, the governors also discussed wider national reforms, including developments in the power sector and new energy initiatives.
One of the key presentations at the meeting focused on the National Solar Super-Grid initiative, designed to expand electricity access through decentralised solar generation linked to a national transmission network.
Governors described the project as a potential game-changer for industrial growth, energy stability, and improved electricity access across states.
Health and Nutrition Initiatives Also Reviewed
The Forum also reaffirmed its support for the National Nutrition 774 initiative, aimed at tackling child malnutrition and improving health outcomes nationwide.
State leaders noted ongoing discussions around the National Nutrition Bill and encouraged stronger collaboration among stakeholders to build a more effective legal and policy framework for nutrition governance in Nigeria.