Governors push for rapid creation of regional law enforcement agencies to address rising instability

—Say there’s need for state police to be constitutionally aligned with federalism, citizens’ rights
—State attorneys-general to review proposed constitutional amendments, frameworks for state police
By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The 36 state governors in the country have again thrown their weight behind the immediate establishment of state police, to be constitutionally sound and aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights.

The governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, also noted the collaborative efforts of other stakeholders, adding that consultation outcomes will strengthen the states’ collective position.
The governors have also reiterated their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians.

It will be recalled that the House of Representatives on June 11, overwhelmingly voted in favour of a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across the country, marking a major step in efforts to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

Also, the bill scaled second reading in the Senate on the same day. In the House of Reps, the bill secured the support of 289 of the 290 lawmakers in attendance, while only one member voted against it during plenary.
Rising from its second meeting in Abuja from Wednesday to early yesterday, the governors in a communique by NGF Chairman and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed that they received a presentation from the Forum’s Secretariat and a delegation of the Attorneys-General of the states on efforts to support establishing state police in Nigeria.

AbdulRazaq disclosed that they also received briefings on a range of federal and development partner proposals and resolved to deepen consultations and coordination between states and national institutions to secure better outcomes for citizens.
According to the governors, they noted a dedicated consultation with the state Attorneys-General to review the proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks.

The governors had in April this year, backed what they described as the proactive development of a state police framework by the secretariat, the umbrella body of the forum, in preparation for the proposed constitutional amendments.
The framework brings out key readiness requirements, including governance structures, financing models, human capital standards, digital systems and oversight mechanisms.

Governors’ resolutions
In a communique read after the meeting by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the Forum said: “We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country.
“Following extensive deliberations, the Forum resolved as follows: The Forum received a presentation from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of the Attorneys-General of the states on efforts to support establishing State Police in Nigeria. It noted a dedicated consultation with the Attorneys-General to review the proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks.

“Governors emphasised the need for the State Police to be constitutionally sound and aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights. The Forum noted the collaborative effort and added that the consultation outcomes would strengthen the states’ collective position.”

The governors have also reiterated their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians.

According to the Communique, the Forum received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, a proposal to expand electricity access through large-scale decentralised solar generation integrated with a national high-voltage transmission network.

Reiterate commitment to ongoing power sector reforms
The governors have also reiterated their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians.
Against this backdrop, the governors noted the initiative’s potential to support industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth.
On power, the communique read: “The Forum received a presentation on the National Solar
Super-Grid, NSSG, Initiative, a proposal to expand electricity access through large-scale, decentralised solar generation integrated with a national high-voltage transmission network. The Forum noted the initiative’s potential to support industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth.

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

National Nutrition 774 Initiative
The governors have also resolved to support the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative as they reaffirmed their commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria, just as they noted the ongoing work on the National Nutrition Bill and encouraged continued engagement with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.

On nutrition and agriculture, the communique read: “The Forum received a presentation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on progress under the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative. The Forum reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria. The Forum also noted the ongoing work on the National Nutrition Bill and encouraged continued engagement with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.
“The Forum received a briefing from the World Bank Country Office on the proposed Country Partnership Framework, CPF, for Nigeria covering the period FY2026–2032; the proposed Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth, AGROW, Programme, a results-based initiative designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, increase private sector participation, enhance food security, and Early Childhood Development, ECD.

“The Forum supports ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government, the World Bank, and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and deliver benefits to participating states. Governors approved state-specific interventions and stressed the importance of better coordination across sectors like health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, social protection, and family support.”

Details of proposed constitutional amendments for establishment of State Police

• Establishment of Federal Police and State Police (New Section 214)

• Two distinct police bodies are constitutionally established:
• (a) the Federal Police
• (b) State Police (one per State, established by State law)
  The National Assembly must pass an Act prescribing:
• Structure, organisation, administration, and powers of the Federal Police
• Framework and guidelines for the establishment of State Police
• State Police cannot commence operational policing until:
• Established by a Law of the State House of Assembly, and
• Certified as meeting national minimum standards (prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly)
• Transitional provision: Until a State Police becomes operational, the Federal Police continues all policing functions in that State. After commencement, the Federal Police handles federal policing functions and may provide assistance to the State Police.

• Responsibilities and Non-Interference (Section 214)
  Federal Police is responsible for:

• Maintenance of public security, public order, and security of persons/property throughout the Federation (to the extent provided by the Constitution or National Assembly Act).
• Similar functions within a State to the extent the State has legislative power under the Constitution.
  Key safeguard against federal overreach (Section 214(6)):
  The Federal Police shall not interfere with State Police operations or a State’s internal security affairs except in these limited cases:
• To contain serious threats where there is a complete breakdown of law and order and the State Police is unable to respond.
  When the Governor requests intervention
• When a State Police is unable to function due to administrative, financial, or other problems.
  Any such intervention requires prior approval by the National Police Council.
  Federal Capital Territory (FCT): Fully under the jurisdiction and operational control of the Federal Police.

• Leadership and Command (New Section 215)

• Federal Police: Headed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
• Appointed by the President on the advice of the National Police Council, from serving members of the Federal Police.
• Subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.
• The IGP has command over the entire Federal Police, including contingents in States.
• The President (or authorised Minister) may give lawful directions on public safety and order; the IGP must comply.
• State Police: Headed by a Commissioner of Police (CP).
• Appointed by the Governor on the advice of the National Police Council, from serving members of the State Police.
• Subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
• The Governor (or authorised Commissioner) may give lawful directions on public safety and order; the CP must comply.
• If the CP believes a direction is unlawful or contradicts general policing standards, the matter can be referred to the National Police Council (whose decision is final).

• Removal of Top Officers (New Section 216)

• IGP: Removed only by the President on the recommendation of the National Police Council for specified grounds (grave misconduct, breach of Police Act/Regulations/Code of Conduct, conviction for fraud/dishonesty, bankruptcy, or mental incapacity). Requires two-thirds majority approval of the National Assembly.
• State Commissioner of Police: Removed only by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council for similar grounds. Requires two-thirds majority approval of the State House of Assembly.

• Funding Support (New Section 216A)
  The Federal Government shall provide grants or aids to State Police on the recommendation of the National Police Council, subject to approval by the National Assembly.
• Oversight Bodies
  National Police Council (restructured and renamed from the old Nigeria Police Council; new composition and expanded functions in Third Schedule):

• Broad membership including: Chairman (Presidential appointee confirmed by NA), Attorney-General of the Federation, serving senior Federal Police officer, Attorneys-General of all States, retired Commissioners of Police (one per geo-political zone), representatives of NHRC, Public Complaints Commission, NLC, NBA, NUJ, and Traditional Rulers’ Councils.
• Key functions: Appointment and discipline of Federal Police officers (except IGP); recommending State top officers (CP, DCP, ACP) to Governors based on State PSC lists; supervising Federal and State Police activities (within constitutional limits); setting standards for training, intelligence, forensics; assisting State Police on request.
  State Police Service Commission (new body established for each State in Third Schedule, Part II):
• Composition: Chairman (appointed by Governor, confirmed by State HA), representatives of NHRC, Public Complaints Commission, NLC, NBA, NUJ, retired Assistant Commissioners of Police (one per senatorial district), and Traditional Rulers’ Council.
• Functions: Recommending three qualified candidates for CP/DCP/ACP to the National Police Council; appointment, discipline, and removal of State Police officers below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police; other functions as prescribed by Constitution or National Assembly Act.

• Legislative Framework (Second Schedule – Concurrent Legislative List)

• National Assembly may make laws on: establishment/organisation/administration/powers/duties of Federal Police; powers/duties of State Police; national minimum standards for both; policing standards, inspection, certification, complaints mechanisms, criminal information systems, inter-governmental cooperation, federal intervention, use of force, firearms, grants, and accountability.
• State Houses of Assembly may make laws for the establishment, organisation, administration, funding, and oversight of their State Police — but must comply with the Constitution and valid National Assembly Acts.
• States may set higher standards than national minimums but not lower.
• National Assembly laws cannot give federal authorities routine command, deployment, appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline, or control over State Police personnel (except for explicitly authorised federal intervention).

• Other related changes

• Updates to various constitutional provisions (e.g., Sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 84, 89, 129, 153) to replace references to “Nigeria Police Force” with appropriate “Police”, “Federal Police”, or “State Police” terminology.
• Exclusive Legislative List adjustments (e.g., light arms for policing purposes; fingerprints/biometrics/forensics shared with State Police; Federal Police listed separately).
  •Consequential amend-ments to the Third Schedule for the new bodies and their compositions/powers.