NGF, Attorneys-General Hold Consultations on State Police Implementation

Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF)

NGF, Attorneys-General Hold Consultations on State Police Implementation

Nigeria Governors’ Forum holds second meeting of 2026, reviews state police proposals amid historic National Assembly passage of constitutional amendment bill

ABUJA, Nigeria – Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states have intensified their push for the establishment of state police, opening fresh consultations with state Attorneys-General to shape the legal and constitutional framework for its implementation as the National Assembly advances a historic constitutional amendment bill.

The development was made public on Thursday after the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held its second meeting of 2026 in Abuja. The meeting, chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stretched from Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who addressed journalists after the meeting on behalf of the Forum, said the discussions centered on ensuring that any structure for state police must have strong constitutional backing and must fit into Nigeria’s federal system.

According to Abiodun, governors are united on the need to push the proposal forward but insist that the legal foundation must be clear to prevent abuse and protect the rights of Nigerians. The forum is working closely with state legal officers to fine-tune areas of concern before a final position is presented. “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. 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,” Abiodun stated.

The renewed call for state police comes amid persistent insecurity across several parts of Nigeria, including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and communal violence, which have continued to stretch the operational capacity of the centrally controlled police system. For over two decades, Nigeria has faced severe insecurity driven by Boko Haram, armed bandits, and other criminal groups, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. Although the Federal Government and security agencies have recorded some successes, the threat persists, and supporters argue that state governments, being closer to the people, are better positioned to respond quickly to threats and gather intelligence.

READ ALSO:

The push for state policing gained significant momentum at the National Assembly earlier this month. On June 10, the House of Representatives passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to legalise state police, with 289 lawmakers voting in favour, one abstaining, and none voting against — demonstrating overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026,” was approved during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The House also approved 18 constitutional amendment clauses as part of the broader constitutional review exercise aimed at reforming critical aspects of governance and public administration. The Senate followed suit on June 11, passing the bill for second reading and referring it to its Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration. The development marks one of the most significant constitutional and security reforms undertaken by the National Assembly since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 and comes amid growing concerns over rising insecurity across the country.

A central feature of the state police bill is the proposed amendment of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution to formally establish both Federal Police and State Police formations. Under the proposed framework, the National Assembly would retain authority to prescribe the structure, organisation, administration, and powers of the Federal Police while also setting minimum standards and legal requirements for the establishment and operation of state police services nationwide. The bill stipulates that no state police formation can commence operations unless it is created through legislation enacted by the relevant State House of Assembly and certified as meeting nationally prescribed minimum standards. It further provides that until any state police force becomes operational, the Federal Police shall continue to exercise policing responsibilities within that state. In what appears to be an attempt to balance decentralisation with national oversight, the bill limits the circumstances under which the Federal Police may intervene in the affairs of state police formations. According to the proposal, federal intervention would only occur in situations involving a complete breakdown of law and order, upon the request of a state governor, or where a state police force becomes unable to function due to administrative, financial, or operational challenges.

The amendment also introduces significant reforms to the police command structure and appointment process. Under the proposed changes to Section 215 of the Constitution, the Inspector-General of Police would be appointed by the President based on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council and subject to confirmation by the National Assembly. Similarly, State Commissioners of Police would be appointed by governors on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council from among serving officers of the respective state police formations and confirmed by their State Houses of Assembly. The bill empowers governors to issue lawful directives to State Commissioners of Police on matters relating to public safety and maintenance of law and order. However, where a commissioner believes such directives are unlawful or inconsistent with established policing standards, the matter may be referred to the Nigeria Police Council, whose decision would be final. The legislation also amends Section 84 of the Constitution by replacing references to the “National Police Council and the Federal Police Service Commission” with the “Nigeria Police Council and the Police Service Commission.”

READ ALSO:

To address concerns that state police could be abused by state governments for political purposes, particularly during elections and periods of political tension, sponsors of the bill have incorporated several safeguards into the proposed framework. These include mandatory confirmation of appointments by State Houses of Assembly, oversight by the Nigeria Police Council, and provisions allowing State Commissioners of Police to report alleged unlawful directives from governors to oversight bodies for review. The bill also establishes State Police Service Commissions in each state, composed of members from the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Public Complaints Commission, retired police officers, and journalists. The bill will now proceed through the constitutional amendment process, requiring concurrence by the Senate and approval by at least two-thirds of the Houses of Assembly of the states before it can be transmitted for presidential assent. If eventually enacted, the legislation would usher in a new era of multi-layered policing in Nigeria and could redefine the country’s approach to tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes through a more localised security architecture.

Beyond security, governors also discussed national nutrition challenges during the meeting. Abiodun said the forum reviewed progress under the National Nutrition 774 Initiative and restated commitment to reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria. “The forum received a presentation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on progress under the National Nutrition 774 Initiative. The forum reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria.” He added that governors called for stronger engagement among stakeholders to improve nutrition laws and policies, while noting ongoing progress on the National Nutrition Bill. The meeting also featured a presentation from the World Bank on its proposed Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria between 2026 and 2032. Governors said the framework would support agriculture, improve food security, strengthen value chains, and boost private sector participation. Abiodun said states would continue to partner with the Federal Government and development agencies to ensure effective delivery of the projects. On electricity, the forum reviewed plans under the National Solar Super-Grid Initiative aimed at widening access to power through solar energy. Governors said the initiative could improve electricity supply, support industrial growth, and strengthen state-level energy markets. “The forum noted the initiative’s potential to support industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth.” They also reaffirmed their support for ongoing reforms in the power sector, stressing the need for affordable and stable electricity across Nigeria.