NEWS
36 State Governors Back Creation of State Police, Demand Constitutional Framework
Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states have thrown their weight behind the establishment of State Police, describing the move as a necessary step towards strengthening security and improving policing across the country.
The governors, under the platform of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), announced their position in a communiqué issued after their meeting in Abuja, which extended from Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday.
The forum, led by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, H.E. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stated that while it supports the creation of State Police, the process must be guided by constitutional provisions, federal principles, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The decision followed presentations from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of State Attorneys-General on ongoing efforts to support the establishment of State Police in Nigeria.
The governors revealed that they had commenced consultations with the Attorneys-General of the states to examine proposed constitutional amendments and possible legal frameworks that would support the creation of State Police.
They stressed that the initiative must be properly structured to avoid conflicts within the nation’s federal system.
The NGF noted that the outcome of the consultations would help strengthen the collective position of the states as discussions on the proposed reform continue.
The push for State Police has gained momentum following the advancement of constitutional amendment proposals at the National Assembly. The bill seeking the establishment of State Police has already passed through the House of Representatives and has progressed to the second reading stage at the Senate.
Beyond security reforms, the governors also reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, pledging stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders to improve access to affordable and reliable electricity.
During the meeting, the forum received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, a proposed project aimed at expanding electricity supply through large-scale decentralised solar power generation connected to a national high-voltage transmission network.
The governors acknowledged the potential of the initiative to support industrial growth, enhance energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
The forum also expressed support for the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative, reaffirming the commitment of state governments towards improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across the country.
The governors further highlighted ongoing efforts surrounding the National Nutrition Bill and encouraged continued cooperation with stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s nutrition policies and governance framework.