16 Governors Advocate for State Police, Submit Reports to Federal Government

Sixteen state governors have officially thrown their weight behind the establishment of state police, submitting comprehensive reports to the National Economic Council (NEC) advocating for the constitutional amendments necessary for its creation.

This development emerged from the 140th NEC meeting, convened under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Thursday. Reports from the meeting indicated that the governors also recommended constitutional changes to enable the formation of state police units.

Special Adviser to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed the submissions in a statement titled, ‘NEC endorses take-off of $617M i-DICE programme across states,’ issued on Thursday.

According to Nkwocha, while reports from 16 states were received, the NEC is still awaiting submissions from the remaining 20 states. However, there is optimism that these states will also lend their support to the initiative.

NEC, established under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, serves as a platform for advising the President on economic affairs, with membership comprising state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank, and other relevant officials.

During Thursday’s session, discussions centered on the imperative of state policing, with Secretary to NEC, Mr. Nebeolisa Anako, presenting the submissions from the states. The reports highlighted the unanimous support for state police among all states, citing the need for constitutional amendments and restructuring of the current policing framework to facilitate the initiative.

While specific states backing the move were not disclosed, it was affirmed that the total number would be disclosed at the subsequent NEC meeting, as compilation efforts are ongoing.

This advocacy for state police comes in the wake of escalating security challenges across Nigeria, characterized by waves of abductions, bandit attacks, and other violent crimes. Recent incidents include the abduction of over 280 pupils and teachers in Kaduna State, the kidnapping of internally displaced persons in Borno State, and the tragic loss of 17 Nigerian soldiers in Delta State.

The push for state police gained further momentum as a bill proposing its creation successfully passed the second reading at the House of Representatives on February 20, 2024. The legislation seeks to address the centralization of law enforcement in Nigeria and empower states to tackle security challenges effectively.

While proponents argue that state police would enhance local control over security matters and improve law enforcement efficiency, opponents raise concerns about potential abuse of power and regional tensions.

The final decision on the establishment of state police units rests with the federal and state governments, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to address Nigeria’s complex security landscape.