The 36 state governors under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have reaffirmed their support for the establishment of state police across the country, insisting that any framework adopted must be constitutionally sound, consistent with federal principles, and protective of citizens’ rights.
The position was reached at the Forum’s second meeting held in Abuja, where governors reviewed ongoing efforts toward creating state police structures. In a communiqué signed by NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors disclosed that they received presentations from the NGF Secretariat and state Attorneys-General on proposals and constitutional amendments required to support the initiative.
According to the communiqué, governors stressed the importance of developing a state policing system with clear governance structures, sustainable financing models, qualified personnel, digital infrastructure, and robust oversight mechanisms.
The Forum noted that consultations with state Attorneys-General had helped refine proposed constitutional amendments and implementation frameworks, adding that the outcomes would strengthen the collective position of the states on the issue.
The renewed endorsement follows an earlier decision by the governors in April to support the development of a comprehensive state police framework ahead of anticipated constitutional amendments.
Beyond security, the governors also reaffirmed their commitment to reforms in the power sector. They received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, a proposal aimed at expanding electricity access through large-scale decentralised solar generation connected to a national transmission network.
The governors noted that the initiative could enhance industrialisation, strengthen energy security, deepen state electricity markets, and drive economic growth. They pledged continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to improve access to reliable and affordable electricity nationwide.
On nutrition and agriculture, the Forum endorsed the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative and reiterated its commitment to tackling child malnutrition and improving nutrition outcomes across Nigeria. Governors also welcomed ongoing efforts to advance the National Nutrition Bill, which seeks to strengthen the legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.
The meeting further reviewed presentations from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the World Bank on development programmes, including the proposed Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nigeria from 2026 to 2032 and the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) Programme.
Governors expressed support for continued collaboration with the Federal Government, the World Bank, and other development partners to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, boost food security, encourage private sector investment, and support early childhood development.
They also approved state-specific interventions and called for stronger coordination across sectors such as health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, social protection, and family welfare to maximise development outcomes.
