State governors have reiterated their support for the creation of state police as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, while also endorsing key initiatives in the power and agriculture sectors aimed at accelerating economic development.
The position was reached at the second meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for 2026 held in Abuja, where governors reviewed a range of national policy proposals designed to strengthen security, improve food production and expand access to electricity.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun presented the communiqué issued by the forum and signed by its chairman, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
According to the communiqué, governors received updates from the Forum’s secretariat and state Attorneys-General on ongoing consultations regarding the establishment of state police and the constitutional amendments required to support the initiative.
The governors stressed that any framework for state policing must be firmly rooted in the Constitution, respect citizens’ rights and align with the principles of federalism.
They noted that consultations with state Attorneys-General had provided an opportunity to review proposed legal frameworks and harmonise the positions of states on the issue.
The Forum maintained that strengthening internal security structures has become increasingly important given the prolonged threat posed by insurgency, banditry and other forms of violent crime across different parts of the country.
Beyond security, the governors also considered measures aimed at addressing malnutrition and improving child welfare.
They received a presentation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on the National Nutrition 774 Initiative and reviewed progress on the proposed National Nutrition Bill.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to reducing child malnutrition and improving health outcomes through coordinated interventions at both federal and state levels.
Governors also received a briefing from the World Bank on its proposed Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering the 2026 to 2032 fiscal period, as well as a new agricultural programme designed to boost productivity and strengthen value chains.
The initiative, known as the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth Programme, seeks to enhance food security, attract private-sector investment and increase agricultural output across participating states.
The governors expressed support for continued collaboration between state governments, the Federal Government, development partners and the private sector to ensure the programme achieves its objectives.
They further approved state-specific interventions and called for improved coordination among sectors such as health, education, nutrition, water and sanitation, social protection and family welfare.
The meeting also reviewed the National Solar Super-Grid Initiative, a programme aimed at expanding electricity access through decentralised solar energy generation integrated with the national grid.
Governors noted that the project could play a significant role in improving energy security, supporting industrial development and strengthening emerging state electricity markets.
According to the communiqué, the initiative has the potential to accelerate economic growth, deepen access to power and support ongoing reforms in the electricity sector.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Government and development partners to advance reforms capable of improving infrastructure, enhancing public services and creating greater economic opportunities for Nigerians.
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