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State Police: Governors Demand Greater Powers

Published

8 hours ago

June 23, 2026

State governors are seeking greater constitutional authority over security operations within their domains and guaranteed funding arrangements for the proposed State Police Services, according to a report of a high-level strategic meeting involving state Attorneys-General, legal experts and senior security officials convened by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat in Abuja last week.

The report, contained in the NGF bulletin obtained by The PUNCH, provides one of the clearest frameworks yet for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, detailing proposals on operational powers, funding mechanisms, personnel management, oversight structures, and the relationship between federal and state policing institutions.

According to the report, the meeting was convened to harmonise proposals for a constitutional and institutional framework for the establishment of State Police Services across the country.

The report described the deliberations as “a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture through a decentralised policing system that balances local security needs with constitutional safeguards and national cohesion.”

The latest push comes amid growing concerns over worsening insecurity across several parts of the country, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and violent crimes, which have continued to test the capacity of Nigeria’s centrally controlled policing structure.

A major outcome of the meeting was the proposal for greater constitutional recognition of governors’ roles in coordinating security operations within their states.

According to the report, participants reviewed legislative provisions currently under consideration, particularly those relating to governors’ authority in security matters.

“The meeting also reviewed provisions currently under legislative consideration, particularly clauses relating to the authority of governors in directing security operations within their states,” the report stated.

It added that delegates stressed “the importance of recognising the constitutional role of governors in coordinating security matters within their states while establishing safeguards for professionalism, accountability and operational independence.”

The proposal is expected to reignite debate over the powers of governors in security administration, an issue that has remained contentious since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.

Although governors are commonly referred to as the chief security officers of their states, they currently exercise limited direct control over police operations because the Nigeria Police Force remains under federal command.

The governors’ latest recommendations come at a crucial moment in the state police debate, following significant progress recorded by the National Assembly on constitutional amendments aimed at decentralising policing.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives approved constitutional amendment proposals seeking to establish state police as part of broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture and address persistent security challenges across the country.

The amendment seeks to alter relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to create a dual policing structure comprising Federal Police Services and State Police Services, with states empowered to establish their own police formations through legislation passed by their respective Houses of Assembly.

The proposal is widely regarded as one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, and represents the furthest the country has moved toward constitutional recognition of state police after years of failed attempts.

The agitation for state police dates back decades but gained momentum during successive waves of insecurity, including militancy in the Niger Delta, Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, farmer-herder clashes in the North-Central, and rising incidents of kidnapping across the country.

The issue featured prominently at the 2014 National Conference, where delegates recommended the establishment of state police as part of broader constitutional restructuring measures.

Over the years, governors, constitutional lawyers, retired security chiefs, traditional rulers and civil society groups have argued that Nigeria’s federal structure is incompatible with a policing system controlled exclusively from Abuja.

The push intensified further following the emergence of regional security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West, Ebube Agu in parts of the South-East, and various community-based security arrangements in northern states.

Supporters have argued that these initiatives demonstrate the growing demand for local security structures capable of complementing federal law enforcement agencies and responding more rapidly to threats within communities.

Opponents, however, have consistently warned that state police could be vulnerable to political manipulation and abuse by state governments, particularly during elections and periods of political tension.

Many of those concerns appear to have informed the recommendations emerging from the NGF meeting, which place considerable emphasis on accountability, oversight, and operational independence.

The report also outlined a proposed policing model based on cooperative federalism.

According to the document, discussions centred on “developing a policing structure rooted in cooperative federalism, where federal and state police institutions operate within clearly defined constitutional and statutory jurisdictions.”

Under the proposed arrangement, the Federal Police Service would retain responsibility for crimes considered national in scope.

The report stated, “Under the proposed framework, the Federal Police Service would retain exclusive responsibility for offences of national significance, including terrorism, treason, narcotics-related crimes and interstate criminal activities.”

State Police Services, however, would be empowered to tackle offences falling within their constitutional jurisdictions.

The report added, “State Police Services would be empowered to prevent, investigate and support the prosecution of offences within their constitutionally assigned jurisdiction, particularly offences created under state laws.”

The proposal effectively seeks to establish a constitutional division of responsibilities between federal and state policing institutions, leaving matters such as terrorism, treason and interstate crimes within federal jurisdiction while assigning local law enforcement functions to state police formations.

The report further revealed that stakeholders considered the future of existing police infrastructure under the proposed reforms.

According to the document, “The framework considers mechanisms for the transfer or restructuring of certain existing policing assets, commands and facilities to support State Police.”

The proposal suggests that existing federal policing structures may be reconfigured to support the establishment and smooth operation of state-controlled police services.

Participants also devoted considerable attention to governance and accountability mechanisms designed to prevent abuse of the proposed policing system.

The report noted that “participants extensively debated governance and oversight mechanisms required to ensure accountability within the proposed policing structure.”

Among the proposals considered was the inclusion of a rotating representative of State Attorneys-General on the National Police Council.

The recommendation is expected to strengthen state participation in national policing oversight and policy formulation while ensuring broader representation in decisions affecting law enforcement.

Funding emerged as one of the most significant issues discussed during the meeting.

Participants argued that state police would require guaranteed and predictable funding arrangements to function effectively and independently.

According to the report, stakeholders emphasised “the need for clear constitutional provisions guaranteeing sustainable financial support for state policing structures.”

The report further stated that stakeholders emphasised “the need for predictable and sustainable funding mechanisms to prevent security financing from becoming discretionary and highlighted the importance of adequate resources for personnel training, equipment and operational effectiveness.”

The participants warned that without guaranteed funding mechanisms, state police services could face operational difficulties capable of undermining their effectiveness.

To address those concerns, the meeting considered multiple financing options.

According to the report, stakeholders explored “complementary funding arrangements, including transitional federal support and the establishment of State Security Trust Funds to encourage partnerships with the private sector and other stakeholders.”

The proposal mirrors existing security trust fund models adopted by some states to support law enforcement agencies and other security operations.

Another major recommendation relates to personnel management and transition arrangements.

The report recommends that serving members of the Nigeria Police Force should be allowed to voluntarily transfer to State Police Services once they are established.

According to the document, “The proposed framework includes provisions allowing eligible federal police personnel to voluntarily transition into State Police Services, subject to agreed legal, administrative and welfare arrangements, without losing their rank, seniority or pension benefits.”

The provision is expected to address concerns over the future of personnel who may wish to join state police formations after their establishment.

Participants, however, recommended safeguards to ensure orderly implementation.

The report stated that delegates recommended, “that such transfer arrangements be time-bound to provide certainty for workforce planning and institutional development.”

The framework also seeks to accommodate states that may not immediately establish their own police services.

According to the report, “The framework further provides flexibility for states that may require additional time to establish their own police services, allowing the Federal Government to continue administering policing functions through existing structures pending readiness.”

The proposal is seen as an attempt to address concerns about disparities in financial and institutional capacities among states and to ensure that no state is left without policing coverage during the transition period.

The latest recommendations from the governors, Attorneys-General and security experts are expected to feed into ongoing constitutional amendment efforts and could ultimately shape the final architecture of state policing in Nigeria.

If adopted through constitutional amendments and enabling legislation, the proposals would represent one of the most far-reaching security reforms in Nigeria’s history, fundamentally altering the country’s policing structure by creating federal and state police institutions operating side by side under clearly defined constitutional mandates.

On June 10, the House of Representatives passed a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to allow for the establishment of state police.

The Senate followed suit on June 11, passing the bill for second reading and referring it to its Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration.

News

Tinubu Never Promised Nigerians 24-Hour Electricity – Onanuga

Published

7 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has denied claims that his principal promised to provide 24-hour electricity for Nigerians during the 2023 presidential campaign.

According to Onanuga, the claims that Tinubu promised Nigerians 24-hour electricity during the 2023 election campaign are a misrepresentation of his words.

Naija News reports that Onanuga offered the clarification in a statement on Monday, 22nd June, as part of his response to calls by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for Tinubu to resign from office over worsening security and economic conditions in Nigeria.

Obi said that, as an example of leadership and accountability, Tinubu should resign just like the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced his resignation over growing dissatisfaction from citizens.

As part of the alleged failures of the Tinubu government, Obi cited insecurity, unreliable electricity supply and worsening economic hardship.

Particularly, he mentioned that President Tinubu, in the build-up to the 2023 elections, had promised Nigerians 24-hour electricity and told them not to re-elect him if he failed to keep the campaign promise.

However, in response to the call and submission, presidential spokesperson Onanuga accused Obi of misrepresenting Tinubu’s 2023 campaign promise. He said the president did not promise 24-hour electricity for all Nigerians.

The presidential media aide added that those claiming Tinubu made such a promise are simply being mischievous.

According to him, Tinubu was addressing Lagosians during his campaign speech, and the context was about paying estimated electricity bills.

“Concerning President Tinubu’s campaign promises on power supply, it is misleading for Peter Obi to parrot the claim that candidate Tinubu guaranteed 24-hour electricity for all. What he actually said on that occasion in Lagos and which Obi and his followers have consistently misquoted, for the sake of mischief, was: “Whichever way, by all means necessary, you will have electricity, and you will not pay for estimated bills anymore. A promise made will be a promise kept. If I don’t keep the promise and I come for a second term, don’t vote for me—unless I give you adequate reasons why I couldn’t deliver.,” Onanuga said.

To justify his principal’s performance in office, specifically in the power sector, the presidential aide said Tinubu’s administration had signed the Electricity Act, expanded prepaid meter deployment and invested in alternative power sources.

News

FG Convenes Emergency Meeting Over Rising Cooking Gas Prices Nationwide

Published

8 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

The Federal Government has moved to address the growing concern over rising cooking gas prices across Nigeria by convening an emergency stakeholders’ meeting aimed at finding immediate and long-term solutions.

The meeting was called amid fresh concerns over the continuous increase in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, which has placed additional financial pressure on millions of Nigerian households already battling rising living costs.

Key players across the gas value chain attended the meeting. They included government officials, regulators, gas producers, marketers, terminal operators, and major industry associations. Discussions focused on the factors driving the sharp rise in prices and practical steps needed to improve supply and stabilize the market.

Speaking during the meeting, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Patience Oyekunle, described LPG as a major source of energy for homes across the country. She said cooking gas remains critical to Nigeria’s broader energy transition goals, especially as the government continues efforts to encourage cleaner and safer energy alternatives.

Oyekunle noted that the rising cost of cooking gas is becoming a serious concern for many families. According to her, the increase is not only affecting household spending but is also pushing up the cost of essential goods and services.

She stressed the need for urgent intervention to prevent further strain on consumers.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said President Bola Tinubu is closely monitoring developments in the sector and is concerned about the impact of rising LPG prices on Nigerians.

Ekpo revealed that the President has directed all relevant agencies and stakeholders to take immediate and proactive steps to tackle the situation.

He said while increasing supply remains important, it must be supported by better logistics, improved infrastructure, and transparent pricing systems to ensure that consumers feel the impact of any intervention.

According to the minister, solving the problem will require coordinated efforts across the entire gas supply chain.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Rabiu Umar, pointed to high landing costs as one of the major reasons behind the current surge in LPG prices.

He explained that several market factors, including import costs, foreign exchange challenges, transportation expenses, and supply bottlenecks, continue to affect pricing.

Despite the challenges, Umar expressed confidence that ongoing efforts by regulators and industry operators would begin to ease market pressure in the coming weeks.

He added that the authority is actively engaging producers and marketers to boost domestic supply, strengthen market monitoring, and improve product availability nationwide.

News

US Embassy Issues Fresh Warning To Nigerians Over Visa Violations

Published

8 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians travelling to America, urging them to strictly obey all visa rules and immigration regulations to avoid penalties that could affect future travel opportunities.

The warning comes as U.S. authorities continue tightening immigration enforcement, particularly against visa overstays and other forms of non-compliance involving foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

In a message shared on its official X account, the U.S. Mission stressed that compliance with visa conditions remains critical for Nigerians seeking to study, work, or visit the United States.

“Staying compliant with U.S. immigration laws isn’t just the right thing to do; it protects your future and keeps opportunities open for Nigerian travelers.”

The mission noted that Nigerians granted entry into the U.S. must understand that visas come with clear conditions and timelines that must be respected at all times.

According to the embassy, failure to comply with visa conditions could lead to serious consequences, including visa cancellation, denial of future applications, deportation, and long-term travel restrictions.

It advised Nigerian travellers to pay close attention to the duration of stay approved by immigration officers and avoid remaining in the country beyond the authorised period.

“Whether you’re studying, working, or visiting the United States, always honour the terms of your visa. Follow the rules. Stay only for as long as you are authorized. Keep your documents updated. Make choices that safeguard your dreams.”

The mission added that respecting immigration procedures benefits not only individual travellers but also strengthens trust in the broader visa system between both countries.

“When you respect the process, everyone wins.”

The latest advisory comes amid growing restrictions imposed by Washington in response to concerns over visa abuse, overstays, and compliance issues involving Nigerian travellers.

Over the past year, the U.S. government has introduced stricter visa measures affecting Nigerians across several categories.

In January 2026, the U.S. government partially suspended the issuance of several visa categories to Nigerians outside the country who did not already possess valid visas. The affected categories included B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visas, as well as immigrant visas.

The decision followed concerns over overstay figures involving Nigerian nationals. U.S. authorities cited data showing a 5.56 percent overstay rate for visitor visas and an 11.90 percent overstay rate for student and exchange visa holders.

Earlier in 2025, the United States also reduced the validity period of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians to three months with single entry. The move marked a major shift from the previous visa regime and affected thousands of prospective travellers.

American authorities linked that decision to reciprocity concerns, visa abuse, documentation irregularities, and rising cases of overstays.

In addition to visa restrictions, the U.S. has strengthened its screening process for applicants. Visa applicants are now subjected to tougher background checks, including stricter verification of travel history, documentation, and social media disclosures.

The embassy also warned that individuals found guilty of visa fraud, misrepresentation, or submission of false information could face severe penalties, including permanent bans and possible criminal prosecution.