Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states have expressed their commitment to establishing state police forces to tackle the unique security challenges within their jurisdictions,leadership reports.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, revealed this during a press briefing with State House correspondents after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Governor Sani disclosed that while the NEC has deferred a final decision on state police until January 2025, all 36 states have already submitted proposals supporting the initiative. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is the only region yet to submit its proposal.
He emphasized that the growing security concerns, including ungoverned spaces and a shortage of personnel in federal security agencies, highlight the need for state policing to address these issues effectively. “Every state faces peculiar security challenges, and many agree that state police is the way forward. The Council has decided to step down the discussion until the next meeting to allow further deliberation and a report from the NEC Secretariat,” Sani said.
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The NEC Secretariat is expected to engage stakeholders and present a comprehensive report in January. If implemented, state police will enable states to create localized law enforcement agencies to address specific security threats.
In addition to security, the NEC discussed food security initiatives. The Council encouraged state governments to align with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) to address challenges in food production and distribution. Marion Moon, the technical assistant to the president on agriculture and coordinator of the PFSCU, outlined strategies for improving agribusiness and enhancing food systems under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The Council commended her presentation and requested a detailed report on the unit’s achievements at the next meeting.
The NEC also approved a proposal by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to seek a National Assembly amendment to its enabling Act, allowing the agency to secure 0.05% of non-oil federation revenue as an alternative funding source.
During the meeting, Vice President Shettima reflected on the year’s economic progress, citing the 3.46% GDP growth in Q3 2024 as evidence of successful reforms. He emphasized that the NEC meetings serve as a platform for diverse perspectives, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s democratic values.
The Vice President also highlighted the World Bank’s HOPE Project, which focuses on improving education and healthcare systems, and ensuring equitable opportunities for Nigeria’s workforce in a competitive global economy.
Other updates included financial reports from Finance Minister Wale Edun, who provided the following account balances as of December: Excess Crude Account – $473,754.57; Stabilisation Account – ₦33,727,191,212.94; and Natural Resources Account – ₦28,275,747,874.93.
The NEC also addressed flood mitigation efforts, with Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State requesting the transition of responsibilities from the NEC Ad-hoc Committee on Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification to a dedicated task force. The Council approved the recommendation and the disbursement of remaining funds to relevant ministries, departments, and agencies for disaster response initiatives.
Lastly, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced plans to adapt historical sites into creative hubs under the Renewed Hope Creative Village initiative. This transformative effort aims to blend cultural preservation with innovation, fostering economic and artistic development.
