The Nigeria Governors Forum has submitted its position on the proposed state police framework to Nuhu Ribadu, in a move that signals fresh momentum behind one of Nigeria’s most contentious security reforms.
The document, according to the forum, is expected to be transmitted to the National Assembly, where lawmakers will consider the legal architecture required to establish decentralised policing across the country.
Speaking after a meeting with Bola Tinubu in Ikoyi, Lagos, the NGF chairman and Kwara state governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said deliberations were ongoing among security agencies under the coordination of the national security adviser.
“Discussions are ongoing amongst various security organisations, led by the national security adviser, and the NGF has made its contribution,” AbdulRazaq said, adding that the proposal would now move into the legislative phase.
The intervention comes amid mounting pressure on Nigeria’s overstretched security apparatus, with state police long touted by advocates as a way of bringing law enforcement closer to local communities. Critics, however, warn that decentralisation could hand excessive coercive power to state governors, raising the risk of political abuse.
AbdulRazaq struck a conciliatory tone, emphasising the governors’ commitment to closer collaboration with federal security forces to tackle insecurity. “We commit to renewing our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism steadily, expand infrastructure opportunities and improve the lives of our people,” he said.
The meeting also served as an opportunity for governors to commend Tinubu’s recent diplomatic outreach, particularly his state visit to the United Kingdom—the first of its kind in 37 years. AbdulRazaq described the trip as “bold and significant”, pointing to anticipated investment flows and renewed bilateral engagement.
“We are confident that the bilateral agreements presently signed and the new approach on issues of shared interest will strengthen the existing relationship … and will bring more prosperity to our people,” he said.
Framing the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a unifying platform, AbdulRazaq argued that broader citizen participation in governance could translate into improved national security. He urged collective responsibility in addressing persistent security breaches, while calling on political leaders and citizens alike to embrace “piety, selflessness, compassion, unity and mutual understanding”.
Around 25 governors attended the meeting at short notice, a turnout AbdulRazaq said reflected respect for the president’s leadership. Also present were the vice-president, Kashim Shettima, and the president’s chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The debate over state police has gained renewed urgency in recent months. In February, the newly appointed inspector general of police, Tunji Disu, established a committee to examine the operational modalities for its implementation—another sign that momentum is building behind a reform once considered politically fraught.
