What Governors Are Quietly Pushing For May Redefine Policing in Nigeria

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The 36 state governors in Nigeria have called for expanded constitutional authority over security operations within their respective states.

The governors made the demand following discussions on the proposed establishment of state police.

Their position was contained in a communiqué issued after the meeting.

The meeting, which took place last week, brought together state Attorneys-General, legal professionals, and senior security officials to harmonise proposals aimed at creating a constitutional and institutional framework for decentralised policing nationwide.

One of the major proposals considered at the meeting was the need to grant governors greater constitutional recognition in coordinating security activities at the state level.

A key outcome of the deliberations was the proposal for a policing model based on cooperative federalism, where federal and state police institutions would function within clearly defined constitutional and legal boundaries.

Under the proposed arrangement, the Federal Police Service would retain exclusive authority over offences considered to be of national importance.

Another recommendation suggested that State Police Services should be empowered to prevent, investigate, and support the prosecution of crimes falling within their constitutional jurisdiction, particularly offences established under state laws.

The proposed framework also considers the transfer or restructuring of certain policing facilities, commands, and assets to support the establishment of state police structures.

Participants further recommended that a rotating representative of State Attorneys-General should be included in the National Police Council to strengthen state participation in policing oversight and policy formulation at the national level.

Stakeholders at the meeting also emphasised the importance of establishing clear constitutional provisions that would guarantee sustainable funding for state policing institutions.

“Without predictable financial support, state police services could face operational difficulties that would undermine their effectiveness,” stakeholders at the meeting said.

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