- The Nigeria Governors Forum has submitted its state police proposal for the National Assembly’s review
- The NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, confirmed that governors are active contributors to shaping the proposed structure of state policing
- The governors reiterated their commitment to working with federal security agencies to combat terrorism and other security threats
The Nigeria Governors Forum has submitted its proposal on the establishment of state police to the National Assembly of Nigeria through the office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this on Sunday, March 22, following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
AbdulRazaq explained that consultations on the proposed state policing system are ongoing among various security agencies, under the coordination of the National Security Adviser.
He noted that the governors have now formally submitted their input to the process.
“On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing amongst various security organisations, led by the National Security Advisor, 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,” the governor stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of state governments to strengthening collaboration with security agencies in tackling insecurity across the country.
“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 said.
The NGF chairman also congratulated President Tinubu on his recent state visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as both bold and historic.
“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 stated.
He expressed optimism that the agreements reached during the visit would strengthen bilateral relations and improve economic opportunities for Nigerians.
“We are confident that the bilateral agreements presently signed and the new approach on issues of shared interest will strengthen the existing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and will bring more prosperity to our people,” he said.
AbdulRazaq further commended the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, noting that it has fostered a stronger sense of inclusion among Nigerians.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for prosecuting the Renewed Hope agenda in a way that has made Nigerians proud more than ever before.
“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 stated.
He stressed the need for collective responsibility in addressing insecurity nationwide.
“Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end,” he said.
The governor also urged Nigerians, especially leaders, to embrace values such as unity, compassion, and selflessness as a pathway to national stability and growth.
He revealed that about 25 governors attended the meeting at short notice, reflecting their support for the President’s leadership.
“As you can see here today, we have about 25 governors who attend at short notice; it’s a respect we have for you and the leadership you’re providing for the nation,” AbdulRazaq said.
Also present at the meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other senior government officials.
The push for state police remains a contentious issue in Nigeria, with supporters arguing it would improve local security response, while critics warn of possible misuse by state authorities.
Earlier in February, the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, constituted a committee to develop operational guidelines for the proposed system.