Governors Back Immediate Creation of State Police, Seek Accountability Measures
The 36 state governors under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have reaffirmed their support for the establishment of state police, stressing that any framework adopted must be constitutionally sound and consistent with the principles of federalism and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The governors made their position known after their second meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, which extended into the early hours of Thursday. Their resolutions were contained in a communiqué signed by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
According to the communiqué, the governors received presentations from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of state Attorneys-General on ongoing efforts to facilitate the creation of state police across the country.
The forum disclosed that a dedicated consultation session was held with the Attorneys-General to review proposed constitutional amendments and legal frameworks necessary for the implementation of state policing.
“We 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 Forum noted a dedicated consultation with the Attorneys-General to review the proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks,” the communiqué stated.
The governors emphasized that any state police structure must be backed by clear constitutional provisions and adequate safeguards to ensure accountability, effective oversight, and respect for citizens’ rights.
The latest position follows an earlier decision by the forum in April to support the development of a comprehensive state police framework. The framework outlines key requirements, including governance structures, financing arrangements, human capital development, digital infrastructure, and oversight mechanisms.
Speaking after the meeting, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the consultation process would help strengthen the collective position of states on the issue and enhance collaboration with national institutions.
Beyond security, the governors also reiterated their commitment to reforms in the power sector aimed at improving electricity access across the country.
The forum received a presentation on the proposed National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, which seeks to expand electricity supply through large-scale decentralized solar power generation linked to a national high-voltage transmission network.
The governors noted that the initiative could boost industrialisation, improve energy security,strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth by providing more reliable and affordable electricity to Nigerians.
They pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to drive energy sector reforms and support initiatives that enhance power supply nationwide.
