State Police Bill Will Be Submitted To National Assembly Soon — Govs

Governors across the country have said efforts to establish state police are progressing, with a legislative framework set to be transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration.

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed this while addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a visit by governors to his residence in Lagos.

AbdulRazaq said discussions on state policing were ongoing among key security stakeholders, led by the National Security Adviser, with the NGF’s inputs already incorporated into the proposed framework.

“On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing amongst various security organisations, led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contribution. That document will be taken to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for state police,” he said.

He noted that the move forms part of broader efforts by subnational governments to strengthen security architecture and tackle rising threats across the country.

The NGF chairman said governors were committed to deepening collaboration with security agencies to defeat terrorism and improve safety nationwide.

“As governors, we commit to renew our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism, steady and expand infrastructure opportunities, and improve the lives of our people,” he added.

AbdulRazaq also emphasised the need to end security breaches across the country, stressing that collective action by leaders at all levels remained critical.

“Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end,” he said.

The governors, he said, were in Lagos to convey goodwill to the President following the Ramadan fasting period and to commend his leadership, particularly his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.

“On behalf of my colleagues, governors, we bring Your Excellency season’s greetings from the people of our various states. We thank Almighty God for His mercies that saw us through the month of Ramadan,” AbdulRazaq said.

He congratulated Tinubu on what he described as a successful visit to the United Kingdom, noting that it was the first such state visit in 37 years and that it had strengthened bilateral relations between the two countries.

“While our nation has always enjoyed a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the state visit was the first in 37 years. This is bold and significant. It speaks to new leadership lease in Nigeria, and we thank you and congratulate you for that, sir,” he said.

According to him, agreements and renewed engagement between Nigeria and the UK would translate into greater prosperity for Nigerians.

AbdulRazaq further commended the President for implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said had given Nigerians a stronger sense of inclusion in nation-building.

“Your Excellency, we thank you for prosecuting the Renewed Hope Agenda in a way that has made Nigerians proud more than ever before. Every Nigerian now has a stake in the nation-building. We believe that this will translate to improved security in every part of our country,” he said.

He also called on Nigerians, particularly leaders, to uphold values such as unity, compassion, and mutual understanding, describing them as essential for national peace and prosperity.

The NGF chairman noted that about 25 governors attended the meeting at short notice, describing the turnout as a reflection of their respect for the President and confidence in his leadership.

“As you can see here today, we have about 25 governors who, at short notice, it’s the respect we have for you and the leadership you’re providing for the nation,” he said.

He added that while policy discussions would be held subsequently, the visit was primarily to celebrate with the President and appreciate the progress made under his leadership.