ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria‘s state governors requested expanded constitutional authority over security operations and guaranteed funding for proposed state police units during a strategic meeting in Abuja last week.
Okay News reports that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat published a report detailing proposals on operational powers, funding mechanisms, and the relationship between federal and state policing institutions.
Under the proposed framework, the Federal Police Service would maintain responsibility for national offences while State Police Services handle local jurisdictions. The report said, “State Police Services would be empowered to prevent, investigate and support the prosecution of offences within their constitutionally assigned jurisdiction, particularly offences created under state laws.”
The stakeholders proposed constitutional provisions for sustainable financial support and suggested including a rotating representative of state attorneys-general on the National Police Council. The document said stakeholders explored “complementary funding arrangements, including transitional federal support and the establishment of State Security Trust Funds to encourage partnerships with the private sector and other stakeholders.”
The recommendations include provisions for current federal personnel to join state units. The report said, “The proposed framework includes provisions allowing eligible federal police personnel to voluntarily transition into State Police Services, subject to agreed legal, administrative and welfare arrangements, without losing their rank, seniority or pension benefits.”
The House of Representatives passed a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish state police on June 10, 2026. The Senate passed the bill for a second reading on June 11, 2026, referring it to the Committee on Constitution Review.
