NEC awaits Nigerian governor’s report after endorsing state police

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State revealed on Thursday that all 36 states of the federation have endorsed the creation of state police. This development followed the submission of state-specific reports to the National Economic Council (NEC), which convened its 147th meeting under the chairmanship of Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Governor Uba Sani, while briefing State House correspondents, emphasized that the widespread agreement among the states stems from their shared challenges in addressing insecurity. According to him, Nigeria’s vast ungoverned territories and the inadequate number of security personnel necessitate urgent measures to bolster safety and governance.

NEC’s Deliberation Highlights Deficit in Security Coverage

During the National Economic Council meeting, Governor Uba Sani pointed out that existing security agencies, including the police and military, lack sufficient manpower to effectively secure every region of the country. This deficit has left many communities vulnerable to criminal activities. He stressed that the establishment of state police is viewed as a sustainable solution to bridge the gap in security coverage.

“That is the reason why most of us agreed that the establishment of state police in Nigeria is the way forward to address the problem of insecurity in the country,” he stated. Governor Uba Sani further disclosed that a significant portion of the NEC meeting was dedicated to discussions around the state police initiative, which he described as a consensus priority for the states.

Pending Stakeholder Engagement Postpones Final Decision

Despite the apparent consensus, the National Economic Council decided to defer further discussions on the state police proposal until its next meeting in January 2025. Governor Uba Sani explained that this decision allows time for the council’s secretariat to produce a comprehensive report, which will incorporate additional input from stakeholders.

“There will be further stakeholder engagement after the panel and deliberation by the members of the National Economic Council,” he noted. The council aims to ensure that all relevant perspectives are considered before presenting a final position.

Submission Status of Reports from States

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State reported that out of the 36 states, 33 had submitted their positions on the establishment of state police. The exceptions—Adamawa, Kebbi, and Kwara state—along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were mandated during the 146th NEC meeting to submit their reports within a week.

The consolidated state positions on the matter were expected at Thursday’s meeting, but the delay by the remaining states prompted National Economic Council to step down the issue temporarily. The council, however, remains committed to advancing the discussions and finalizing its stance in early 2025.

The endorsement of state police by all 36 states reflects a unified commitment to addressing Nigeria’s deepening security challenges. With National Economic Council poised to revisit the issue in January 2025, stakeholders and policymakers will be keenly watching the progress and implications of this landmark initiative.

Implications for National Security Landscape

The proposed state police initiative represents a potentially transformative approach to Nigeria’s security challenges. By recognizing the unique security contexts of different states and providing them with the autonomy to respond effectively, the initiative could mark a significant shift in national law enforcement strategy.

Governors are positioning this proposal as a critical mechanism to address the mounting security pressures facing various regions, from urban centers to rural communities. The collaborative approach demonstrated by the National Economic Council meeting suggests a growing recognition that innovative, localized solutions are essential in combating the complex security challenges confronting