Governors Back State Police, Demand Constitutional Safeguards

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has thrown its weight behind the establishment of state police but stressed that any new policing structure must be constitutionally sound and aligned with the principles of true federalism.

The governors said the initiative must also protect citizens’ fundamental human rights.

The forum stated this in a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, at the end of its meeting in Abuja and read by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.

The governors said they are actively consulting with the attorneys-general of the 36 states to review the proposed constitutional amendments required for the establishment of state police.

According to the communiqué, the forum received a presentation from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of state attorneys-general on efforts to support establishing state police in Nigeria.

Daily Post reported that the meeting, which stretched from Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday, focused on major national issues including security, electricity reform and nutrition, with state policing dominating deliberations.

The governors noted a dedicated consultation with the attorneys-general to review the proposed constitutional amendments and operational frameworks that would guide implementation.

The development comes amid mounting pressure on the federal government to address recurring insecurity across parts of the country, with communities and civil society groups repeatedly calling for a more responsive policing structure.

The NGF emphasised that state police should be constitutionally sound, aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post