Governors Renew Push for State Police, Seek Constitutional Safeguards

The 36 state governors under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have reaffirmed their support for the immediate establishment of state police across Nigeria, insisting that any new policing structure must be firmly rooted in the Constitution and aligned with the principles of federalism and the protection of citizens’ rights.

The governors reached the position after their recent meeting in Abuja, where they considered proposals and ongoing efforts aimed at creating state police as part of broader measures to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges. The forum said it received presentations from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of state attorneys-general on frameworks being developed to support the proposed reform.

According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, the governors emphasized the need for a policing system that reflects Nigeria’s federal structure while safeguarding democratic principles and civil liberties. They noted that consultations with state attorneys-general would help refine the proposed constitutional amendments and strengthen the states’ collective position on the matter.

The renewed backing comes barely a week after both chambers of the National Assembly advanced constitutional amendment bills seeking to allow states to establish and operate their own police forces alongside the federal police system. The proposals are widely seen as a response to persistent insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and communal violence across various parts of the country.

Supporters of state police argue that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering, speed up emergency responses, and enable security personnel to better understand local communities and security dynamics. However, concerns remain over funding, operational standards, and the potential misuse of state-controlled police formations for political purposes.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that governors are also seeking clarity on key aspects of the proposed framework, including funding arrangements, oversight mechanisms, and the extent of federal legislative control over state police operations. Some state leaders are reportedly advocating the transfer of policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List to give states greater authority in security management.

Beyond security, the governors reiterated their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to improve access to reliable and affordable electricity across the country. They also reaffirmed support for initiatives aimed at tackling child malnutrition and strengthening nutrition governance nationwide.

The push for state police has remained one of the most significant constitutional reform debates in Nigeria, with advocates arguing that it offers a practical solution to the country’s evolving security threats, while critics continue to call for strong safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.