Governors Push For State Police Powers

Governors Push For State Police Powers

Nigeria’s governors are seeking wider constitutional authority over security operations and stronger control of the proposed State Police Services as discussions on policing reforms gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections.

The demand emerged from a high-level meeting involving state Attorneys-General, legal experts and security officials organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja.

The governors want state leaders to play a more active role in directing security activities within their territories while maintaining accountability and professionalism.

They also proposed a policing structure where federal and state police would operate side by side with clearly defined responsibilities.

Under the plan, the Federal Police would continue handling offences such as terrorism, treason, drug crimes and other interstate offences, while State Police Services would focus on crimes created under state laws and security challenges within their jurisdictions.

Participants also discussed transferring some existing police assets to support the new system.

Funding was another major issue, with stakeholders calling for constitutional guarantees to ensure state police formations receive stable financial support.

They also recommended allowing willing police officers to transfer to state services without losing rank, seniority or pension benefits as lawmakers continue work on constitutional amendments.