In a significant development, all 36 state governors in Nigeria have submitted their reports supporting the establishment of state police. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani disclosed this information after the 146th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. The governors’ unanimous backing reflects a strong consensus on the need for state police to address the country’s pressing security challenges.
According to Governor Sani, the NEC meeting discussed the update on the creation of state police, and virtually all states are in agreement on the establishment of state police in Nigeria. Despite the overwhelming support, discussions on the initiative were postponed until the next NEC meeting scheduled for January.
The push for state police is part of a broader effort to decentralize Nigeria’s heavily centralized security apparatus. President Bola Tinubu has long advocated for state police as a key component of policing reform. The NEC’s discussions follow a national dialogue on policing reform initiated by the President earlier in the year.
Governor Sani acknowledged the unique security challenges faced by different regions, emphasizing the need for state police to address these issues. The council had previously threatened to impose decisions on any state that failed to comply with the request for reports. While most states have submitted their reports, the FCT failed to do so, citing explanations that were accepted by the council.
