Nigeria’s governors have thrown their full weight behind the establishment of state police, describing it as a critical weapon in the fight against the nation’s spiralling security crisis.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum made the declaration Thursday after its second meeting of 2026 in Abuja, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun reading the communiqué signed by NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“Constitutionally Sound” Framework
The governors stressed that any state police structure must be:
· Constitutionally sound
· Aligned with federalism principles
· Respectful of citizens’ rights
The Forum revealed it has been consulting with state Attorneys-General to review proposed constitutional amendments, with the aim of strengthening the states’ collective position on the matter.
A Crisis That Won’t Wait
The urgency is understandable. The communiqué painted a grim picture:
· Boko Haram, armed banditry, and other criminal groups have terrorised Nigeria for over two decades
· Thousands have died and millions displaced
· The violence, once concentrated in the North, has now spread to parts of the South
Beyond Police: A Three-Pronged Approach
The governors didn’t stop at security. The Forum also reaffirmed support for:
· The National Solar Super-Grid Initiative to boost energy access
· Agricultural development programmes to ramp up food production
The Bottom Line
The governors argue that these reforms state police, energy, and agriculture are inseparable pillars for tackling Nigeria’s challenges and driving sustainable economic growth.
With 2026 already half-gone and insecurity showing no signs of abating, the question now is: will the federal government listen?
