By Queen Madaki
State governors across Nigeria are pushing for greater constitutional authority over security operations within their respective states, alongside guaranteed funding arrangements for the proposed State Police Services, according to a high-level report obtained by The Bureau Journal.
The proposals emerged from a strategic meeting involving state Attorneys-General, legal experts and senior security officials convened by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat in Abuja to harmonise recommendations for the establishment of State Police across the country.
The development comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and violent crimes, issues that have intensified calls for a decentralised policing structure.
Governors Seek Greater Authority Over Security Operations
The report revealed that participants extensively reviewed legislative provisions currently under consideration, particularly clauses relating to governors’ powers in directing security operations within their states.
Stakeholders stressed the need for constitutional recognition of governors’ roles in coordinating security matters while also ensuring professionalism, accountability and operational independence within the proposed policing system.
Currently, although governors are regarded as Chief Security Officers of their states, operational control of the Nigeria Police Force remains under the Federal Government, limiting their direct authority over policing activities.
State Police Bill Gains Momentum
The renewed push comes as the National Assembly continues deliberations on constitutional amendments aimed at creating a dual policing structure comprising Federal Police Services and State Police Services.
The proposed amendment seeks to empower states to establish their own police formations through legislation passed by their Houses of Assembly, a move many consider one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
The Bureau Journal reports that agitation for state police has intensified over the years due to persistent security challenges across the country, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and farmer-herder conflicts.
Federal and State Police to Share Responsibilities
According to the report, stakeholders proposed a policing model rooted in cooperative federalism where federal and state police institutions operate within clearly defined constitutional jurisdictions.
Under the arrangement, the Federal Police Service would retain exclusive responsibility for offences of national significance such as terrorism, treason, narcotics-related crimes and interstate criminal activities.
Meanwhile, State Police Services would be empowered to prevent, investigate and prosecute offences created under state laws and other crimes falling within their constitutional jurisdiction.
Funding Remains Major Concern
One of the major issues discussed during the meeting was sustainable funding for the proposed State Police Services.
Participants emphasised the need for constitutional provisions guaranteeing predictable and sustainable funding mechanisms to prevent security financing from becoming discretionary.
The meeting also explored alternative funding arrangements, including transitional federal support and the establishment of State Security Trust Funds to encourage partnerships with private sector stakeholders.
Personnel Transfer and Oversight Framework
The report further recommended that serving members of the Nigeria Police Force should be allowed to voluntarily transfer to State Police Services without losing their ranks, seniority or pension benefits.
Stakeholders, however, proposed safeguards to ensure that such transitions are time-bound and implemented in an orderly manner to guarantee institutional stability.
In addition, participants debated governance and oversight mechanisms to prevent political interference and abuse, including proposals for broader state representation within national policing institutions.
National Assembly Advances State Police Legislation
The debate over State Police has gained significant traction in recent weeks.
On June 10, the House of Representatives passed a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow for the establishment of State Police.
The Senate followed on June 11 by passing the bill for second reading and referring it to its Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.
If eventually adopted, the proposed reforms would fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s security architecture by creating Federal and State Police institutions operating side by side under clearly defined constitutional mandates.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor developments on the State Police debate and provide updates as the constitutional amendment process progresses.
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