Governors seek more powers, funding as Senate considers state police bill Tuesday

Nigeria’s governors have intensified their push for the establishment of state police, demanding greater constitutional authority over security operations within their states and guaranteed funding mechanisms as the Senate prepares to pass the State Police Constitution Amendment Bill on Tuesday.

The demands were contained in a Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) bulletin detailing deliberations at a high-level meeting involving state Attorneys-General, legal experts and senior security officials in Abuja.

The meeting sought to harmonise proposals for a constitutional and institutional framework for State Police Services across the country.

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The bulletin outlined proposals covering operational powers, funding arrangements, personnel management, oversight mechanisms and the relationship between federal and state policing institutions.

According to the report, governors are seeking constitutional recognition of their role in coordinating security operations within their states while preserving professionalism, accountability and operational independence.

The renewed push came amid growing insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence, which many stakeholders argue have exposed the limitations of Nigeria’s centrally controlled policing system.

The governors’ demands coincide with moves by the Senate to pass the constitutional amendment bill after lawmakers reconvene for an emergency plenary session on Tuesday.

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Sources in the upper chamber said the bill was delayed before the recent recess because the Senate failed to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments.

Under the proposed framework, a dual policing structure would emerge, with the Federal Police Service retaining responsibility for terrorism, treason, narcotics offences and interstate crimes, while state police formations would handle offences under state laws and other local security challenges.

The framework also proposes constitutionally guaranteed funding, transitional federal support, State Security Trust Funds and voluntary transfer options for serving police officers without loss of rank, seniority or pension benefits.

If passed, the legislation would mark one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.