“Governors emphasised the need for the State Police to be constitutionally sound and aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights”
By Samuel Akpan
Nigeria Governors’ Forum has thrown its weight behind immediate state police creation, demanding a constitutionally strong framework aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights.
At the end of their two-day meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum issued a communiqué under the signature of its Chairman, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
According to the statement, the governors received key updates on the state police initiative from both the Forum’s secretariat and a delegation of state attorneys-general.
“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,” the statement read.
The governors disclosed that they held dedicated consultations with the attorneys-general in the states to review proposed constitutional amendments and supporting frameworks.
This builds on the proactive work the Forum endorsed in April, when it backed the NGF secretariat to develop a comprehensive state police blueprint covering governance structures, financing models, human capital standards, digital systems and oversight mechanisms.
On the power sector, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing reforms and closer collaboration with stakeholders to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Nigerians.
They received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid Initiative, a proposal for large-scale decentralised solar generation integrated with a national high-voltage transmission network.
“The Forum noted the initiative’s potential to support industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth,” the communiqué stated.
Governors expressed optimism that the project would expand electricity access while boosting state electricity markets and overall economic growth.
The Forum also supported the National Nutrition 774 Initiative, reaffirming its resolve to improve nutrition outcomes and reduce child malnutrition across Nigeria.
Members noted ongoing work on the National Nutrition Bill and urged sustained engagement with stakeholders to strengthen the legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.
Also, the governors received a briefing from the World Bank Country Office on the proposed Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering FY2026–2032, as well as the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) Programme.
This results-based initiative is designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, increase private sector participation, enhance food security and support early childhood development.
Governors approved state-specific interventions under the programmes and stressed the importance of better coordination across health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, social protection, and family support sectors.
They pledged continued collaboration with the federal government, the World Bank and other partners to ensure successful implementation and tangible benefits for participating states.
The resolutions from the Abuja meeting underscore the governors’ determination to advance security sector reform, sustainable energy solutions and improved nutrition outcomes for Nigerians.
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