Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Nigeria’s 36 state governors have renewed their push for the establishment of state police, agreeing that any decentralised security framework must be firmly backed by the Constitution and designed to protect fundamental rights.
The position was reached at the second meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum held in Abuja on Wednesday, June 17, with deliberations extending into the early hours of Thursday.
The meeting brought together key discussions on security, power reforms, and social development priorities.
In a communiqué signed by NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and presented by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the governors said they had reviewed ongoing consultations on the proposed policing structure with state Attorneys-General.
According to the Forum, the discussions focused on constitutional amendments and operational frameworks that would guide the creation of state police across the federation.
The governors stressed that the proposed system must go beyond administrative reform and align with Nigeria’s federal structure while ensuring citizens’ rights remain protected.
They added that outcomes from legal consultations would shape a unified position as national debates continue.
Beyond security, the Forum also considered broader development issues, including electricity reform and nutrition policy.
Governors reiterated support for a National Solar Super-Grid Initiative aimed at expanding electricity access through decentralised solar generation linked to a national transmission network.
They said the proposal could improve energy access, strengthen state electricity markets, and support industrial growth nationwide.
The meeting also featured briefings from the World Bank on a proposed Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering 2026 to 2032, as well as an agricultural value-chain programme aimed at boosting productivity, food security, and private sector participation.
On social development, governors reaffirmed support for ongoing efforts to address child malnutrition and reviewed updates on the National Nutrition 774 Initiative and proposed legislation to strengthen nutrition governance.
The Forum said it would continue collaboration with the Federal Government, development partners, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of reforms across key sectors.
