Details have emerged on the emerging framework for state police being reviewed by governors under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat, as part of ongoing preparations for anticipated constitutional amendments.
In a communique issued after their meeting on April 22 in Abuja, the governors referenced a draft state police framework developed by the NGF Secretariat, outlining what it described as key readiness requirements for any decentralised policing structure.
The framework reportedly covers governance structures, financing models, human capital standards, digital systems, and oversight mechanisms, reports The Nation.
Findings indicate that governors are currently evaluating several funding options for the proposed state police system. These include structured budgetary allocations through state appropriation laws, possible support under broader intergovernmental fiscal arrangements, and other sustainable financing approaches.
The objective, according to sources, is to ensure that any adopted state policing arrangement is adequately funded, transparent in operation, and fiscally sustainable, without disrupting existing public finance management systems.
On governance structure, ongoing consultations are said to be examining models that would balance operational autonomy at the state level with institutional safeguards. These include transparent recruitment processes, professional standards, and independent oversight mechanisms designed to ensure accountability and prevent abuse of authority.
Oversight arrangements are also being handled cautiously, given their constitutional, fiscal, and national security implications.
It was further learnt that no specific constitutional amendment proposals have yet been finalised. Instead, stakeholders are working toward building consensus across subnational governments and other relevant actors, refining policy options, and integrating diverse perspectives into a workable framework.
No implementation timeline has been set for the introduction of state police, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Director of Media and Strategic Communications at the NGF, Yunusa Abdullahi, confirmed ongoing work on the framework but stressed that the process remains at the planning and consultation stage.
He said the Secretariat continues to engage stakeholders and would make formal announcements once a more consolidated position is reached.
Abdullahi added that discussions on state police remain part of a wider consultative process involving federal and state authorities, as well as key security stakeholders across the country.
Abdullahi added, “At this stage, elements such as governance arrangements, including appointment, oversight, and disciplinary procedures, as well as funding structures, are not yet finalised positions.
“Rather, they form part of the critical issues currently being examined to ensure that any eventual framework is constitutionally sound, operationally effective, and aligned with Nigeria’s federal structure.”
