Governors insist state police must align with federalism, citizens’ rights

Crime Diary, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has said the proposed establishment of state police must be constitutionally sound, consistent with the principles of true federalism and protective of citizens’ fundamental rights.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the forum’s meeting in Abuja and signed by its Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.

The communiqué was presented to journalists by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.

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According to the governors, consultations are ongoing with the Attorneys-General of the 36 states to review the constitutional amendments and legal frameworks required to establish state police across the country.

“The forum received a presentation from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of the Attorneys-General of the states on efforts to support the establishment of state police in Nigeria,” Abiodun said.

He explained that the governors reviewed progress made during consultations with state Attorneys-General and stressed the need for any state policing framework to be firmly rooted in constitutional provisions and democratic principles.

“Governors emphasised the need for state police to be constitutionally sound and aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights,” he added.

The forum noted that the outcome of the consultations would help strengthen the collective position of the states on the proposed reforms.

On health and human development, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to tackling malnutrition and improving nutrition outcomes across the country.

Abiodun said the forum received a progress report from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative.

The governors also reviewed ongoing work on the proposed National Nutrition Bill and encouraged continued engagement with stakeholders to strengthen the legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.

The forum further reiterated its commitment to enhancing food security, strengthening agricultural value chains and expanding access to reliable electricity supply.

According to Abiodun, the governors received a briefing from the World Bank Country Office on the proposed Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nigeria covering the 2026–2032 fiscal period, as well as the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) Programme.

He described AGROW as a results-based initiative designed to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, increase private sector participation, improve food security and support early childhood development.

“The forum supports continued collaboration with the Federal Government, the World Bank and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and delivery of benefits to participating states,” he said.

The governors approved state-specific interventions and stressed the need for stronger coordination across sectors, including health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, social protection and family support services.

On electricity, Abiodun said the forum received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, which seeks to expand electricity access through large-scale decentralised solar generation integrated with the national transmission network.

The governors acknowledged the initiative’s potential to drive industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets and accelerate economic growth.

“Governors reiterated their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians,” Abiodun said.

(NAN)