Nigeria’s 36 state governors have renewed their call for the establishment of state police, declaring that the country’s evolving security challenges require a policing structure that is constitutionally backed, accountable and consistent with the principles of federalism.
The governors, operating under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, reached the position after their second meeting of the year in Abuja, where security, power, nutrition and agricultural development featured prominently on the agenda. The meeting, which extended into the early hours of Thursday, ended with a communique signed by the Forum’s chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, reaffirming the governors’ collective support for a comprehensive state police framework.
According to the communique, governors received detailed presentations from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of state attorneys-general on ongoing efforts to establish state police across the federation. The discussions focused on constitutional amendments, institutional safeguards and operational structures required to ensure that state policing functions effectively without undermining democratic freedoms or citizens’ rights.
The governors noted that extensive consultations had already taken place with state attorneys-general to assess proposed constitutional provisions and implementation frameworks. They stressed that any future state police framework must be carefully designed to balance security needs with accountability, oversight and constitutional protections.
“The Forum received a presentation from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of the Honourable Attorneys-General of the States on efforts to support establishing State Police in Nigeria,” the communique stated. Governors emphasized that the proposed structure must remain firmly rooted in constitutional principles and aligned with Nigeria’s federal system of government.
The renewed support follows an earlier endorsement by the governors in April, when they backed the development of a comprehensive framework to prepare states for possible constitutional changes.
The proposed model outlines critical readiness requirements, including governance structures, funding mechanisms, recruitment standards, technological infrastructure and oversight systems. The governors said consultations with legal experts and policymakers would strengthen the states’ collective position as discussions on constitutional amendments continue.
Beyond security, the Forum also reviewed developments in the power sector and reiterated support for reforms aimed at improving electricity access nationwide. Governors received a presentation on the proposed National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, a large-scale project designed to expand power generation through decentralized solar infrastructure connected to a national transmission network.
The governors noted that the initiative could help accelerate industrial growth, strengthen energy security and improve electricity supply across states. According to the Forum, improved access to reliable and affordable power remains essential to economic development and job creation.
The meeting also focused on nutrition and public health, with governors pledging support for the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative. The programme is aimed at improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria.
Governors reaffirmed their commitment to policies that strengthen nutrition governance and welcomed ongoing efforts to develop a National Nutrition Bill. They encouraged continued engagement among policymakers, development partners and stakeholders to create a stronger legal framework for nutrition interventions.
The Forum further received a briefing from the World Bank on its proposed Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering the 2026–2032 period. Discussions also focused on the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) Programme, which seeks to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains and encourage greater private-sector participation in food production.
Governors expressed support for continued collaboration with the federal government, development partners and financial institutions to ensure successful implementation of the programme. They approved state-specific interventions and emphasized the need for stronger coordination across sectors including health, education, nutrition, water and sanitation, social protection and family welfare.
The renewed endorsement of the state police framework underscores growing consensus among state governments that Nigeria’s security architecture requires reform to address rising threats such as banditry, kidnapping and violent crime.
While constitutional amendments remain necessary before state police can become a reality, the governors’ latest position signals increasing momentum behind one of the country’s most significant governance and security reform proposals. As consultations continue between state governments, lawmakers and legal experts, the debate over state police is expected to remain at the centre of national discussions on security and federalism in the months ahead.
