The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has submitted its contribution on a proposed state police framework to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, with the document expected to be forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative review, the forum said on Sunday.
NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq disclosed the development during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
AbdulRazaq said discussions involving the state police proposal are ongoing among various security organisations, led by the NSA.
“On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing amongst various security organisations, led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contribution,” he told journalists.
“That document will be taken to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for state police.”
The concept of state police involves creating constitutional and legislative structures to allow each state in the federation to establish its own policing arm alongside the existing federal arrangement.
Currently, policing in Nigeria is centrally managed by the Nigeria Police Force, a federal agency.
Proposals to amend the constitution to permit state police have been part of public and legislative debate as security challenges persist in various regions.
Governors under the NGF previously indicated widespread support for state police as a potential mechanism to improve security at the local level.
Discussions have highlighted the need for constitutional amendments to establish legal authority, oversight structures and funding arrangements for any future state police entities.
AbdulRazaq emphasised that the NGF’s contribution forms part of coordinated efforts by state executives and security agencies to shape a workable framework for state policing.
He said it would be reviewed by lawmakers in the National Assembly as part of legislative scrutiny and possible constitutional amendment processes.
Addressing other matters during the meeting with President Tinubu, AbdulRazaq reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to continued collaboration with security forces to address terrorism, expand infrastructure and improve citizens’ quality of life in the states.
“We commit to renew our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism steadily, expand infrastructure opportunities and improve the lives of our people,” AbdulRazaq said. “This is our commitment as governors.”
The NGF chairman also congratulated President Tinubu on his recent state visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as “bold and significant” and noting that bilateral agreements and new approaches on shared interests with the UK are expected to bolster Nigeria’s international relations.
The submission by the governors to the NSA marks a procedural step in the broader process toward possible constitutional changes.
For state police to be legally established, the constitution must be amended by the National Assembly, a process that requires approval by both federal lawmakers and a majority of state legislatures.
Once received by the National Assembly, the proposal and related input from the NSA and other stakeholders will form part of legislative deliberations, public hearings and committee reviews before any legal framework is enacted.
