Nigeria's governors push for state police, stressing constitutional alignment and rights

Nigeria's state governors are moving forward with plans to establish state police forces, but they insist the move must be constitutionally sound and fully aligned with federalism. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) stated that any such initiative must also protect citizens' fundamental human rights.

“

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.

In a communiqué after their meeting in Abuja, the governors revealed they are consulting with the attorneys-general of all 36 states. This collaboration aims to review the proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks necessary for establishing state police. The forum emphasized that the outcomes of these consultations would strengthen their collective position on the matter.

“

Governors emphasised the need for the state police to be constitutionally sound and aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights.

Beyond security, the governors also reaffirmed their commitment to improving nutrition and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria. They received a progress report on the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative and encouraged continued engagement on the National Nutrition Bill. The forum also discussed enhancing food security, agricultural value chains, and citizens' access to reliable electricity. A briefing from the World Bank on its proposed Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria (FY2026–2032) and the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) Programme was also noted. The governors expressed support for collaboration with the federal government and the World Bank to ensure the AGROW Programme's successful implementation.

“

The forum noted the collaborative effort and added that the consultation outcomes would strengthen the States’ collective position.