The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has renewed its push for the creation of state police, with all 36 state chief executives affirming their support during the group’s second meeting held in Abuja.
According to a communiqué signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors received briefings from both the forum’s secretariat and a team of state attorneys-general regarding efforts to advance the state police initiative. The presentations covered various federal proposals and development partner inputs, prompting the governors to agree on expanding consultations and coordination between state and national institutions.
The forum noted that a dedicated session with the attorneys-general had been held to examine proposed constitutional amendments and operational frameworks. This follows the governors’ earlier endorsement in April of a state police framework developed by the NGF secretariat, which outlined governance structures, financing models, human capital standards, digital systems, and oversight mechanisms.
Reading the communiqué, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun said: “We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country. Following extensive deliberations, the Forum resolved as follows: The Forum received a presentation from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of the Honourable Attorneys-General of the States on efforts to support establishing State Police in Nigeria. It noted a dedicated consultation with the attorneys-general to review the proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks.”
He added: “Governors emphasised the need for the State Police to be constitutionally sound and aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights. The Forum noted the collaborative effort and added that the consultation outcomes would strengthen the states’ collective position.”
Beyond security, the governors also turned their attention to energy reforms. They received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid Initiative, which proposes expanding electricity access through large-scale decentralised solar generation linked to the national transmission network. The forum acknowledged the project’s potential to drive industrialisation, boost energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth.
“The Forum received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, a proposal to expand electricity access through large-scale decentralised solar generation integrated with a national high-voltage transmission network,” the communiqué stated. “The Forum noted the initiative’s potential to support industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth. Governors reiterated their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians.”
On nutrition and agriculture, the governors threw their support behind the National Nutrition 774 Initiative and reaffirmed their dedication to tackling child malnutrition. They also noted progress on the National Nutrition Bill and called for continued stakeholder engagement to strengthen the legal and policy environment for nutrition governance.
The communiqué read: “The Forum received a presentation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on progress under the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative. The forum reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria. The Forum also noted the ongoing work on the National Nutrition Bill and encouraged continued engagement with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.”
Additionally, the World Bank briefed the governors on its proposed Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering 2026 to 2032, as well as the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth Programme—a results-based initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening value chains, increasing private sector participation, enhancing food security, and supporting early childhood development.
“The Forum supported ongoing collaboration with the federal government, the World Bank, and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and deliver benefits to participating states,” the communiqué added. “Governors approved state-specific interventions and stressed the importance of better coordination across sectors like health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, social protection, and family support.”
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