A major shift in Nigeria’s security conversation is unfolding as state governors move collectively to address rising insecurity, formally submitting a state police proposal to the National Assembly.

The development was confirmed by Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), during a high-level Sallah visit by 25 governors to President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.

The visit served not only as a festive engagement but also as a strategic meeting to address pressing national issues, with insecurity topping the agenda. AbdulRazaq described the submission as a unified position by governors seeking sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

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According to AbdulRazaq, the proposal outlines a detailed framework for establishing state police, including legal and operational structures that would guide its implementation if approved. The initiative is designed to complement ongoing efforts by federal authorities and security stakeholders.

He revealed that discussions on state policing are already underway among key institutions, coordinated by the National Security Adviser. The NGF’s document, he explained, is intended to strengthen those conversations and accelerate the push for a clear legislative foundation.

The governors emphasized that decentralizing policing could significantly improve response times and enhance intelligence gathering at the grassroots level. They argued that localized security systems are better positioned to understand and tackle region-specific threats such as banditry, terrorism, and communal violence.

In addition to advocating structural reforms, the governors pledged to deepen collaboration with federal security agencies. They stressed that stronger coordination remains critical in tackling the complex and evolving nature of insecurity across the country.

During the meeting, AbdulRazaq reaffirmed the commitment of state leaders to work collectively in restoring safety and stability. He noted that addressing security breaches nationwide requires unified action and sustained cooperation between all levels of government.

The governors also used the occasion to commend the administration’s policy direction, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda, which they say is fostering inclusiveness while laying a foundation for economic and security improvements.

The gathering brought together a wide representation of Nigeria’s political leadership, including governors such as Hope Uzodinma, Alex Otti, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Abba Kabir Yusuf, among others, highlighting the broad consensus on the need for reform.

The renewed push for state police comes amid increasing calls from various quarters for a decentralized security system. Many states have long argued that the current centralized structure limits their ability to respond effectively to local threats.

Security analysts believe that if approved, the proposal could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to law enforcement. However, debates are expected to continue around issues such as funding, oversight, and the risk of political misuse.

As the proposal now sits before the National Assembly, all eyes are on lawmakers to determine whether Nigeria will take a historic step toward restructuring its policing system.

With insecurity remaining a dominant national concern, the governors’ united front signals a growing urgency to rethink and reform how security is managed across Africa’s most populous nation.