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Governors Intensify Support For State Police To Tackle Insecurity; Seek Safeguards On Rights, Federalism

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The 36 state governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have reaffirmed their support for key national reforms, including the establishment of state police, the National Solar Super-Grid initiative, and agricultural development programmes firmly grounded in the Constitution and designed to improve security, food production, and citizens’ welfare.

This position formed the central outcome of the forum’s second meeting of 2026, held on Wednesday, June 17, under the chairmanship of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara State, who also serves as NGF chairman.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday while presenting the communiqué issued at the end of the forum’s second meeting.

In a communiqué read out to newsmen after the meeting by Dapo Abiodun, the governors said they received a presentation from the NGF Secretariat alongside a delegation of state attorneys-general on ongoing efforts to support the creation of state police.

The governors disclosed that consultations had been held with the attorneys-general to review proposed constitutional amendments and operational frameworks for the initiative.

According to the Forum, insecurity driven by Boko Haram, armed banditry, and other criminal groups has persisted for over two decades, particularly in northern Nigeria, leading to thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. It noted that the threat has also expanded to parts of the South.

He stated, “The Forum received a presentation from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of the Honourable Attorneys-General of the States on efforts to support establishing state police in Nigeria. It noted a dedicated consultation with the attorneys-general to review the proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks.

“Governors emphasised the need for the state police to be constitutionally sound and aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights. The forum noted the collaborative effort and added that the consultation outcomes would strengthen the states’ collective position.

“The Forum received a presentation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on progress under the National Nutrition 774 Initiative. The Forum reaffirmed the Governors’ commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria.”

Abiodun said governors also received briefings on the National Nutrition 774 Initiative and the National Nutrition Bill, reiterating their commitment to tackling child malnutrition through improved policy coordination.

He added, “The Forum received a briefing from the World Bank country office on the proposed country partnership framework for Nigeria covering the period FY2026–2032 and the proposed Nigeria sustainable agricultural value chains for growth. “Programme”, a results-based initiative designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, increase private sector participation, enhance food security, and support early childhood development.

“The Forum supported ongoing collaboration with the federal government, the World Bank, and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and deliver benefits to participating states. Governors approved state-specific interventions and stressed the importance of better coordination across sectors like health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, social protection, and family support.”

It also considered the National Solar Super-Grid Initiative, which seeks to expand electricity access through decentralised solar generation linked to the national grid. Governors said the project has the potential to improve energy security, support industrial growth, and expand electricity access across states.

“The Forum noted the initiative’s potential to support industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth,” he added.

The governors reaffirmed their commitment to power sector reforms and stronger collaboration with the federal government and development partners to improve infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities nationwide.

Packaged by Dare Raji

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