The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has backed the development of a state police framework ahead of proposed constitutional amendments.
The 36 state governors endorsed the framework during their first meeting of 2026 held in Abuja.
The framework outlines governance structures, financing models, human capital standards, digital systems, and oversight mechanisms for state policing.
In a communiqué signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and read by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Forum said the framework outlines key requirements for implementation and also endorsed ongoing fiscal and education reforms.
The communiqué read: “We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country.
“The Forum warmly congratulated the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, on his appointment and received a comprehensive briefing on current fiscal developments.
“The briefing covered trends in FAAC revenues, ongoing tax reforms, and the broader effort to strengthen revenue mobilisation across all tiers of government.
“Governors underscored the imperative of restoring confidence in fiscal management systems and called for the timely resolution of outstanding fiscal matters, which remain critical to subnational planning and budgetary stability.
“The Forum also discussed reforms to broaden the taxpayer base, improve compliance, and ease the burden on basic consumption.
“Governors reaffirmed their commitment to working in close partnership with the Honourable Minister to advance shared fiscal objectives in the interest of all Nigerians.
“The Forum received a presentation from the Honourable Minister of Education, Professor Tunji Alausa, on the priorities shaping the federal government’s education agenda.
“Key areas addressed included the proposed transition to a 12-year continuous basic education framework, the progress recorded on the Digital National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) platform, and the urgent need to expand junior and senior secondary school infrastructure to keep pace with growing enrolment.
“Governors reaffirmed their collective commitment to working in close partnership with the federal government to advance the shared objectives discussed, including expanding access to quality education and ensuring that resources reach the communities that need them most.
The Forum also approved the establishment of a leadership academy within its secretariat.
The communiqué said: “The Forum approved the establishment of the NGF Academy & Leadership Centre as a new Directorate within the Secretariat, designed as a flagship platform for subnational leadership development.
“The academy will integrate executive capacity building, applied research, governance advisory, and peer learning to support all 36 states.
The communiqué added: “Governors welcomed progress towards its operationalisation and reaffirmed their support for the initiative as a strategic resource for strengthening governance across the federation.
The communiqué also highlighted progress on the NGF States Agribusiness Investment Programme rice initiative supported by the Gates Foundation.
It said: “The Forum noted progress on the NGF States Agribusiness Investment Programme (SAIP) – Rice Helpdesk, supported by the Gates Foundation, aimed at strengthening state capacity to drive improvements in rice production and value chain development.
“Governors acknowledged the importance of addressing sector-wide institutional, market, and financing constraints and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting implementation at the state level to deliver measurable outcomes in food security and agricultural productivity.
“The Forum noted the Secretariat’s proactive development of a state police framework in anticipation of proposed constitutional amendments.
“The Framework outlines key readiness requirements, including governance structures, financing models, human capital standards, digital systems, and oversight mechanisms.”
The governors said the measures are aimed at strengthening governance, improving revenue mobilisation, and expanding access to quality education nationwide.
