…Proposed framework would create dual federal and state policing system, redefine governors’ security roles and introduce new accountability safeguards

Nigeria’s 36 state governors are pushing for greater constitutional authority over security operations within their jurisdictions and guaranteed funding arrangements for the proposed State Police Services, as the country moves closer to a major overhaul of its policing structure.

A high-level strategic meeting involving state Attorneys-General, legal experts and senior security officials convened by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat in Abuja has produced one of the most detailed frameworks yet for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

According to a report by The PunchNewspaper, the recommendations, contained in an NGF bulletin obtained by The PUNCH, outline proposals covering operational control, funding, personnel transition, oversight mechanisms and the relationship between federal and state security institutions.

The meeting described the proposed reforms as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through a decentralised policing model that addresses local security challenges while maintaining national coordination.

Governors seek stronger role in security coordination

A major proposal from the meeting is the constitutional recognition of governors’ roles in coordinating security operations within their states.

Although governors are widely regarded as chief security officers of their states, they currently have limited direct control over police operations because the Nigeria Police Force remains under federal authority.

The report stated that participants reviewed proposed constitutional changes relating to “the authority of governors in directing security operations within their states.”

However, stakeholders stressed that increased powers must be balanced with safeguards to ensure professionalism, accountability and operational independence.

The issue has remained a major point of debate since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, with governors repeatedly arguing that local security challenges require a more responsive policing structure.

Reform driven by rising insecurity

The renewed push for state police comes amid growing security pressures across Nigeria, including terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, communal conflicts and violent crimes.

Supporters of decentralised policing argue that a centrally controlled police system has struggled to respond effectively to security threats that vary significantly across regions.

The state police debate has gained momentum following the emergence of regional security initiatives, including community-based security structures established by various states.

Proponents say these arrangements demonstrate demand for local security systems capable of responding faster to threats, while critics have warned that state police could be abused by political actors.

The proposed framework attempts to address those concerns by placing emphasis on oversight, accountability and institutional independence.

Proposed federal-state policing structure

Under the proposed model, Nigeria would operate a dual policing system comprising Federal Police Services and State Police Services.

The Federal Police Service would retain responsibility for crimes considered national in scope, including terrorism, treason, narcotics-related offences and interstate crimes.

State Police Services would be empowered to prevent, investigate and prosecute offences created under state laws and matters within their constitutional jurisdiction.

The report said the arrangement would establish “clearly defined constitutional and statutory jurisdictions” for both federal and state police institutions.

The proposal is expected to form part of ongoing constitutional amendment efforts currently before the National Assembly.

Funding remains critical challenge

Funding emerged as one of the most significant issues discussed during the meeting.

Stakeholders warned that state police could struggle without predictable financing, adequate personnel, modern equipment and sustainable operational resources.

The report noted the need for constitutional provisions guaranteeing financial support for state policing structures.

Participants also explored transitional federal support and the creation of State Security Trust Funds that would allow partnerships with private sector organisations and other stakeholders.

The governors argued that security funding should not depend solely on discretionary decisions by individual administrations.

Personnel transition and restructuring plans

The proposed framework also addresses the future of existing police personnel and infrastructure.

Serving officers of the Nigeria Police Force would be allowed to voluntarily transfer into State Police Services, subject to legal and administrative arrangements.

The report stated that eligible officers transitioning to state police formations would retain their rank, seniority and pension rights.

However, delegates recommended that transfer arrangements should be time-bound to support workforce planning and prevent uncertainty during implementation.

The framework also considers the transfer or restructuring of some existing policing assets, commands and facilities to support state police operations.

States allowed gradual implementation

Recognising differences in capacity among states, the proposal would allow states that are not immediately ready to establish their own police services to continue under existing federal policing arrangements temporarily.

The report said this flexibility would ensure that states with limited institutional or financial capacity are not left without adequate security coverage during the transition period.

National Assembly advances state police proposal

The governors’ recommendations come as constitutional amendment efforts gain momentum at the National Assembly.

The House of Representatives recently approved proposals seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow the creation of State Police Services.

The Senate has also advanced the proposal for further legislative consideration through its Constitution Review process.

If adopted, the reforms would represent one of Nigeria’s most significant security and governance changes since 1999, fundamentally altering the country’s policing model by introducing a federal-state security structure.

For investors, businesses and international observers, the move could have major implications for security stability, regional investment confidence and Nigeria’s broader governance reforms, particularly as the country continues efforts to address insecurity affecting economic activity and infrastructure development.