State governors have intensified calls for a decentralised policing system that would grant them stronger constitutional authority over security operations within their respective states, alongside a structured and guaranteed funding model for proposed State Police Services.
The proposals were contained in a report arising from a high-level strategic meeting organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat in Abuja, which brought together state Attorneys-General, legal practitioners, and senior security stakeholders to deliberate on the future of policing in Nigeria.
According to the report, the engagement was aimed at aligning positions on the legal and institutional framework required for the establishment of state-controlled police structures across the federation.
Participants described the discussions as a major step toward reshaping Nigeria’s security system into a more decentralised model that reflects local realities while maintaining national unity and constitutional safeguards.
The push comes against the backdrop of persistent insecurity challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence across several parts of the country.
A central theme of the meeting was the need to redefine the role of state governors in security coordination. While governors are currently designated as chief security officers of their states, they lack direct operational control over policing due to the centralised structure of the Nigeria Police Force.
Constitutional Backing Demands
Stakeholders at the meeting reportedly advocated stronger constitutional backing that would allow governors greater involvement in directing security responses within their jurisdictions, while still ensuring professionalism and operational independence for security agencies.
The proposed arrangement outlines a dual policing structure under a cooperative federalism model. Under this system, a Federal Police Service would retain responsibility for crimes of national concern such as terrorism, treason, narcotics-related offences, and inter-state criminal activities.
Conversely, State Police Services would be empowered to handle offences within their constitutional boundaries, particularly violations of state laws and local security challenges.
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Funding emerged as another critical issue during deliberations. Participants stressed the importance of establishing clear constitutional provisions that guarantee sustainable financing for state policing institutions, warning against reliance on discretionary funding mechanisms.
Further Recommendations
The report also recommended blended funding options, including transitional federal support and dedicated State Security Trust Funds that could attract private sector participation to strengthen operational capacity.
In addition, the framework proposes that serving officers of the Nigeria Police Force be given the option to voluntarily transfer into state police structures without losing rank, seniority, or pension entitlements. However, stakeholders emphasised that such transitions should be carefully regulated and time-bound to support effective workforce planning.
The recommendations are expected to feed into ongoing constitutional review processes at the National Assembly.
Earlier legislative steps have already been taken, with the House of Representatives approving a bill seeking constitutional amendment for the creation of state police, while the Senate has passed the proposal for second reading and referred it to its Constitution Review Committee for further scrutiny.
If eventually adopted, the reform would introduce a dual policing system in Nigeria, marking a significant shift in the country’s security architecture since the return to democratic governance in 1999.