Governors Reaffirm Support For State Police, Power Reforms

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has renewed its support for major national reforms, including the creation of state police, the National Solar Super-Grid Initiative, and agricultural development programmes aimed at enhancing security, boosting food production, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, made this known on Thursday while presenting the communiqué issued after the Forum’s second meeting of 2026 held in Abuja.

The communiqué was signed by the NGF Chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to the governors, these reforms are essential to tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges and promoting long-term economic growth.

The Forum noted that insecurity caused by Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities has continued for more than two decades, particularly in northern Nigeria, resulting in significant loss of lives and displacement of communities. It added that the security threat has increasingly spread to parts of southern Nigeria.

Speaking on the issue of state policing, Abiodun said:

“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.

“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.

“The Forum received a presentation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on progress under the National Nutrition 774 Initiative. The Forum reaffirmed the Governors’ commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria.”

Abiodun also revealed that governors received updates on the National Nutrition 774 Initiative and the proposed National Nutrition Bill, reiterating their commitment to reducing child malnutrition through improved policy implementation and coordination.

He further stated:

“The Forum received a briefing from the World Bank Country Office on the proposed Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering the period FY2026–2032; the proposed Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth Programme, a results-based initiative designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, increase private sector participation, enhance food security, and Early Childhood Development.

“The Forum supported ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government, the World Bank, and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and deliver benefits to participating states. 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.”

The governors also considered the National Solar Super-Grid Initiative, a project designed to expand electricity access through decentralised solar power generation connected to the national grid.

According to the communiqué, the initiative could significantly improve energy security, drive industrialisation, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic development across the country.

Abiodun added:

“The Forum noted the initiative’s potential to support industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth.”

The governors concluded by reaffirming their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and closer collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to improve infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities nationwide.