State Police: Governors Submit Proposal to National Assembly Over Insecurity

State Police: Governors Submit Proposal to National Assembly Over Insecurity

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has formally submitted a proposal for the creation of state police in Nigeria to the National Assembly of Nigeria, as concerns over rising insecurity in Nigeria continue to intensify.

The development was disclosed by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, during a Sallah visit by 25 governors to Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos. The meeting provided an opportunity for the governors to deliberate on pressing national issues, with security challenges in Nigeria topping the agenda.

AbdulRazaq explained that the proposal represents a collective position of state governors and outlines a framework for the legal, operational, and funding structure of state policing if approved by lawmakers. According to him, the document is designed to complement ongoing efforts to address terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes across the country.

He noted that discussions around state police in Nigeria are already ongoing among key security stakeholders, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser. The submission by the governors, he said, is intended to support these deliberations and accelerate the creation of a clear legislative framework.

“On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing among various security organisations, led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contribution. That document will be taken to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for state police,” he said.

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The push for decentralised policing comes amid growing concerns that the current centralised structure, anchored by the Nigeria Police Force, is overstretched and unable to effectively tackle localised security threats in many parts of the country.

Security experts argue that establishing state police could enhance community policing, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to crimes, particularly in rural and underserved areas. However, concerns persist about possible political misuse, funding challenges, and coordination issues between state and federal security agencies.

The governors also pledged to strengthen collaboration with existing security institutions, emphasising that state police would complement federal efforts rather than replace them.

“We commit to renewing our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism, to steadily expand infrastructure opportunities, and to improve the lives of our people. Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end,” AbdulRazaq added.

He also commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that current policies are beginning to foster inclusiveness while laying the foundation for improved security and economic stability in Nigeria.

Several governors across party lines attended the meeting, including Hope Uzodinma, Alex Otti, Umo Eno, Douye Diri, Hyacinth Alia, Sheriff Oborevwori, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Siminalayi Fubara, among others.

The renewed push for state police in Nigeria has gained momentum in recent months as many states grapple with worsening insecurity. Stakeholders argue that decentralised policing would allow for faster, more localised responses to threats, improving overall security outcomes.

However, the proposal will require constitutional amendments, as policing currently falls under the Exclusive Legislative List, giving the Federal Government sole authority over law enforcement.

Analysts say the submission marks a significant step toward reforming Nigeria’s security architecture, but its success will depend on political consensus, legislative backing, and strong safeguards to prevent abuse.

As insecurity continues to challenge national stability, the governors’ move underscores the urgency of adopting innovative and locally driven security solutions to protect lives and property across Nigeria.

 

State Police: Governors Submit Proposal to National Assembly Over Insecurity