Our Correspondent
The push for the creation of state police in Nigeria has gathered fresh momentum as the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) formally submitted its proposal on the framework to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for onward transmission to the National Assembly.
The development was disclosed on Sunday by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
AbdulRazaq noted that deliberations on the proposed state policing system are ongoing among key security stakeholders under the coordination of the National Security Adviser, with governors now formally contributing to the evolving framework.
“On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing amongst 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.
Renewed Security Collaboration
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of state governments to strengthening collaboration with federal security agencies to tackle terrorism and insecurity across the country. He added that governors remain focused on expanding infrastructure and improving citizens’ welfare.
“As governors, we commit to renew our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism steadily, expand infrastructure opportunities and improve the lives of our people,” AbdulRazaq stated.
Tinubu’s UK Visit Praised
The NGF chairman also lauded President Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as historic and strategically significant. According to him, the visit—the first of its kind in 37 years—signals a new phase in Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relations with the UK.
“We congratulate you on the successful state visit to the United Kingdom and the many successes and investment proposals achieved during the trip,” he said, expressing optimism that new bilateral agreements would boost prosperity for Nigerians.
AbdulRazaq further commended the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, noting that it has inspired greater national participation in governance and development.
Debate Over State Police Intensifies
The state police proposal has long been a contentious issue in Nigeria’s security discourse. Proponents argue that decentralised policing would enhance rapid response and intelligence gathering at the grassroots level, thereby improving security outcomes.
However, critics have raised concerns over the potential for misuse by state governors, particularly in politically sensitive environments.
In a related move, the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had in February constituted a committee to work out modalities for the possible establishment of state police.
High-Level Attendance
The meeting at the President’s residence was attended by several top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside about 25 state governors.
AbdulRazaq described the turnout as a reflection of the governors’ respect for the President’s leadership and their collective resolve to address the nation’s pressing security challenges.
Calls for the establishment of state police have intensified in recent years amid rising insecurity, including banditry, insurgency, and communal clashes. While the current centralised policing structure has faced criticism over inefficiency, any move towards decentralisation would require constitutional amendments and broad political consensus.
The submission of the NGF’s proposal marks a critical step towards what could become one of the most significant security reforms in Nigeria’s recent history.