Thirty-six state governors throw weight behind state policing, call for robust legal framework
The thirty-six state governors, under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have again voiced their support for the immediate establishment of state police forces across the country. They are pushing for a structure that is constitutionally robust and aligned with both federalist principles and citizens’ rights.
Following their second meeting in Abuja, which ran from Wednesday until early yesterday, the governors issued a communiqué signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The statement revealed that the Forum had received a presentation from its secretariat and a delegation of state attorneys-general on efforts to support the creation of state police in Nigeria.
AbdulRazaq disclosed that the governors had received briefings on a range of federal and development partner proposals, and had resolved to deepen consultations and coordination between states and national institutions to secure better outcomes for citizens.
According to the governors, they noted a dedicated consultation with the attorneys-general to review proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks.
In April of this year, the governors had already backed what they described as the proactive development of a state police framework by the NGF secretariat, in preparation for anticipated constitutional amendments. This framework outlines key readiness requirements, including governance structures, financing models, human capital standards, digital systems and oversight mechanisms.
In a communiqué read after the meeting by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Forum acknowledged the collaborative effort and added that the consultation outcomes would strengthen the states’ collective position.
Abiodun said: “We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country. Following extensive deliberations, the Forum resolved as follows: 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. It noted a dedicated consultation with the attorneys-general to review the proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks.
“Governors emphasised the need for the State Police to be constitutionally sound and aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights. The Forum noted the collaborative effort and added that the consultation outcomes would strengthen the states’ collective position.”
The governors also reiterated their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians.
According to the communiqué, the Forum received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, a proposal to expand electricity access through large-scale decentralised solar generation integrated with a national high-voltage transmission network.
Against this backdrop, the governors noted the initiative’s potential to support industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth.
On power, the communiqué read: “The Forum received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, a proposal to expand electricity access through large-scale decentralised solar generation integrated with a national high-voltage transmission network.
“The Forum noted the initiative’s potential to support industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth. Governors reiterated their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians.”
The governors have also resolved to support the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative, reaffirming their commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria. They also noted ongoing work on the National Nutrition Bill and encouraged continued engagement with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.
On nutrition and agriculture, the communiqué read: “The Forum received a presentation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on progress under the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative. The forum reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria. The Forum also noted the ongoing work on the National Nutrition Bill and encouraged continued engagement with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.
“The Forum received a briefing from the World Bank Country Office on the proposed Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nigeria covering the period FY2026–2032; the proposed Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) Programme, a results-based initiative designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, increase private sector participation, enhance food security, and support early childhood development (ECD).
“The Forum supported ongoing collaboration with the federal government, the World Bank, and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and deliver benefits to participating states. Governors approved state-specific interventions and stressed the importance of better coordination across sectors like health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, social protection, and family support.”
