March 23, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has renewed its push for the establishment of state police, submitting a proposed framework to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, for onward transmission to the National Assembly for legislative backing.
The Chairman of the Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this on Sunday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
AbdulRazaq said discussions on the proposed state police structure were ongoing among key security agencies under the coordination of the NSA, adding that the NGF had formally contributed to the process.
“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.
The development signals a growing consensus among state governors on the need to decentralise policing as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
The NGF chairman reaffirmed the commitment of governors to strengthening collaboration with security agencies to combat terrorism, expand infrastructure, and improve the welfare of citizens.
“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.
AbdulRazaq also congratulated President Tinubu on his recent state visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as historic and impactful in strengthening bilateral ties.
“We congratulate you on the successful state visit to the United Kingdom and the many successes and investment proposals achieved during the trip. While our nation has always enjoyed a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the state visit, the first in 37 years, is bold and significant. It speaks to new leadership in Nigeria”, he said.
The NGF chairman expressed optimism that agreements reached during the visit would translate into economic gains and improved prosperity for Nigerians, noting that the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda was already fostering a sense of inclusion in nation-building.
“Every Nigerian now has a stake in nation-building. We believe that this will translate to improved security in every part of our country”, he added.
AbdulRazaq stressed the need for collective action to end insecurity nationwide, urging leaders and citizens alike to embrace unity, selflessness, and mutual understanding.
“Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end”, he said.
AbdulRazaq further revealed that about 25 governors attended the meeting at short notice, describing it as a demonstration of their support for the President’s leadership.
The proposal for state police has remained a subject of national debate, with proponents arguing that it would enhance grassroots security and faster response to crime, while critics warn of possible misuse by state authorities. Notably, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, had earlier set up a committee to work out modalities for its potential implementation.
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