By Our Correspondent
National News – The Nigeria Governors’ Forum on Sunday announced that it has submitted its proposal on the establishment of state police to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for onward transmission to the National Assembly for legislative review.
The disclosure was made by the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, during a meeting between state governors and President Bola Tinubu at the President’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to AbdulRazaq, the proposal is part of ongoing national discussions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture by allowing states to establish their own policing structures.
He explained that the document submitted by the NGF forms part of broader consultations coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser with security agencies and stakeholders across the country.
The governors’ position, he said, will now be reviewed by lawmakers at the National Assembly, who are expected to consider the legal and constitutional framework required to implement state policing in Nigeria.
The push for state police has gained momentum in recent months as Nigeria continues to confront security challenges including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across several regions.
Supporters of the proposal argue that decentralising policing will bring law enforcement closer to communities, improve intelligence gathering, and enable faster response to local security threats.
However, the initiative has also generated debate among policymakers and civil society groups.
Critics warn that giving governors control over state police forces could lead to political misuse or abuse of power if adequate safeguards are not put in place.
During the meeting in Lagos, AbdulRazaq also reaffirmed the commitment of governors to collaborate with federal security agencies to combat terrorism, expand infrastructure development, and improve citizens’ welfare.
He further congratulated President Tinubu on his recent state visit to the United Kingdom, describing the trip as historic and significant, particularly as it marked the first Nigerian state visit to the UK in 37 years.
He expressed confidence that the bilateral agreements reached during the visit would strengthen diplomatic relations and create economic opportunities for Nigerians.
The meeting reportedly had about 25 governors in attendance, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.
