NEC State Police
All 36 states in Nigeria have submitted their positions on the proposed establishment of state police, with a majority supporting the idea.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, disclosed this on Thursday after the 147th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
“Virtually most of the states are in agreement with establishing state police in Nigeria,” Sani said, attributing the consensus to rising security challenges across the nation.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the governor highlighted Nigeria’s issue with ungoverned spaces and the insufficient number of security personnel to cover every area adequately. He noted that many believe state-controlled policing could address these gaps effectively.
However, the Council deferred detailed discussions until January, when the NEC secretariat will present a comprehensive report for deliberation.
“Today, the Council decided to step down the discussion until the next meeting to allow the secretariat to complete its report. Further stakeholder engagement will also follow,” Sani added.
In the previous NEC meeting on November 21, states such as Adamawa, Kebbi, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were given a deadline of November 28 to submit their positions on the matter.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri confirmed that only these three states and the FCT were yet to comply, stating, “The Council has set a short timeline for submissions to ensure decisions can be made at the next meeting.”
The push for state police is part of broader talks initiated in February 2024 between the Federal Government and state governors. The discussions aim to address worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and governance challenges nationwide.
While proponents argue that state police will enhance localized security, critics caution against potential misuse by state governments, which could undermine national unity.
NEC Postpones Final Decision On State Police To January
The debate has also gained traction in the National Assembly, with the House of Representatives considering a constitutional amendment to enable states to establish and manage their police forces.
As consultations progress, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential of state-controlled policing to provide a robust solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
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