The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) has declared that the proposed establishment of State Police must be constitutionally sound and fully aligned with the principles of true federalism. The forum stated this in a communiqué issued on Thursday in Abuja, emphasizing that the initiative should also protect citizens' fundamental human rights.
Consultations with Attorneys-General
The communiqué, signed by NGF Chairman Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and read by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, revealed that the governors are actively consulting with the attorneys-general of all 36 states to review the proposed constitutional amendments required for the creation of State Police. 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,” the communiqué stated. “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.”
Commitment to Health and Nutrition
On health and human development, Governor Abiodun reaffirmed the governors' commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria. The forum received a progress report from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative. According to him, the forum acknowledged the ongoing work on the National Nutrition Bill and encouraged continued engagement with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.
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.
Agriculture and Energy Security
Governor Abiodun also expressed the governors' commitment to enhancing food security, agricultural value chains, and citizens' access to a reliable electricity supply. The forum received a briefing by the World Bank Country Office on the proposed Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nigeria, covering the period FY2026–2032, alongside the proposed Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) Programme. The AGROW Programme is a results-based initiative designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, increase private sector participation, enhance food security, and boost Early Childhood Development (ECD).
“The forum supports ongoing collaboration with the federal government, the World Bank, and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and deliver benefits to participating states,” he said.
Energy Sector Reforms
On the energy deficit, the forum received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, which focuses on expanding electricity access through large-scale, decentralised solar generation integrated with the national high-voltage transmission network. Governor Abiodun said the governors recognised the initiative's potential to drive industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate national economic growth.
“Governors reiterated their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians,” Mr Abiodun concluded.
