Nigeria’s governors are pushing for unprecedented constitutional powers that would place security operations in their states largely under their influence, reigniting fears of political control over law enforcement.
At a high-level meeting coordinated by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, state leaders demanded formal constitutional authority to direct security operations within their domains as part of the proposed State Police framework.
They argued that governors should no longer be mere “chief security officers” in name while federal authorities retain operational control of policing.
Beyond control, the governors are also insisting on guaranteed constitutional funding for state police, warning that security financing must not be left to the discretion of future governments.
They want legally protected funding mechanisms, including federal support and state security trust funds, to ensure state police forces remain fully operational.
Critics, however, argue that granting governors greater influence over security agencies could open the door to political intimidation, abuse of power, and the use of state police against opponents, especially during elections.
Supporters counter that local authorities are better positioned to tackle rising insecurity than a centrally controlled police system directed from Abuja.
The governors’ demands are expected to fuel intense national debate as constitutional amendments on state police continue to advance through the National Assembly.
