36 State Governors Submit Report on State Police, Express Support

Governors from Nigeria’s 36 states have submitted a report on state policing, signaling strong support for its implementation to enhance security and governance nationwide.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has obtained reports from the governors of all 36 states regarding the creation of State police forces.

Vice President Kashim Shettima chaired the NEC meeting, which included state governors, deputy governors, ministers, and several presidential aides in attendance.

After the meeting, which lasted over four hours, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State briefed State House Correspondents. He stated that the state governors overwhelmingly support establishing a state police due to the security challenges facing their states.

However, he mentioned that the NEC rescheduled discussions on the issue to January 2024.

“Almost every state faces unique security challenges, and many believe that establishing a state police force is the solution,” Sani mentioned.

Today, the council chose to postpone the discussion until their next meeting to allow for additional consideration.

The governor emphasized the urgent need for improved security measures, pointing out the unmonitored areas throughout the country and a considerable lack of personnel in federal security agencies such as the police and armed forces.

He stated that creating state police forces would assist in addressing these gaps, especially in states facing distinct security challenges.

He also revealed that the secretariat is committed to further engaging stakeholders before presenting a comprehensive report at the council’s January meeting.

Regarding the flooding issue, the National Economic Council authorized additional funding for state governments affected by recent flood disasters that have devastated communities and resulted in loss of lives and property.

NEC stated that this approval would allow the affected states to offer sufficient financial assistance to the victims.

In addition, the NEC has sanctioned 0.05% of non-oil federation revenue to fund the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

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After Thursday’s meeting, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced the resolution, explaining that the decision was based on a report from RMAFC dated November 21. The report outlined funding challenges faced by the commission.

“Governor Soludo explained that the RMAFC is crucial for guaranteeing fair revenue distribution throughout the federation, although it has been functioning under considerable financial limitations.”

The council examined RMAFC’s proposal to allocate 0.75% of non-oil revenue but approved only 0.05%, pending additional review by the National Assembly. This allocation is a component of more extensive tax reforms that are currently being considered.

Alongside approving funding, NEC instructed RMAFC to present a draft bill for repeal and replacement to the National Assembly. This aims to update its governing laws and align them with the country’s changing fiscal realities.

Governor Soludo highlighted the significance of these measures, stating, “This institution plays a crucial role in ensuring our federation operates effectively.”

Sufficient funding and a revised legal framework are crucial to enable RMAFC to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.