36 Governors Reveal Their Stance On State Police

Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states have unanimously endorsed the establishment of state police, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to reform the country’s security architecture.

The resolution was reached during a meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja, which extended from Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday. The position was contained in a communiqué signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to Ireporter Online, the governors adopted the position after receiving presentations from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of state Attorneys-General on the progress made toward creating a constitutional framework for state policing.

The governors emphasized that any state police structure must be firmly rooted in the Constitution and operate in accordance with the principles of federalism while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens. They also highlighted the importance of extensive consultations with the Attorneys-General to review proposed constitutional amendments and implementation frameworks.

The communiqué noted that the collaborative engagement would reinforce the collective position of the states and contribute to the development of a legally sound and effective state policing system.

The endorsement comes as the bill seeking the establishment of state police continues to gain legislative momentum, having already secured passage in the House of Representatives and advanced through its second reading in the Senate.

Beyond security, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing reforms in the power sector and pledged to strengthen partnerships aimed at expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity across the country.

The Forum also received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, a proposal designed to improve electricity access through large-scale decentralized solar energy generation integrated into a national high-voltage transmission network. The governors observed that the initiative has the potential to drive industrialization, enhance energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth.

In addition, the governors resolved to support the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative, reaffirming their commitment to tackling child malnutrition and improving nutrition outcomes nationwide. They also acknowledged ongoing efforts to advance the National Nutrition Bill and encouraged sustained engagement with relevant stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.