The National Economic Council (NEC) has postponed its decision on the establishment of State Police in Nigeria until January 2024.
Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Thursday after the NEC meeting presided over by Vice President,Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa.
Governor Sani revealed that 36 states have already submitted proposals supporting the establishment of state police to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
“Virtually every state has its own peculiar security challenges, and many agree that state police is the way forward,” Sani stated.
“Today, the council decided to step down the discussion until the next meeting to allow for further deliberation and the presentation of a report from the NEC secretariat.”
The governor highlighted the pressing need for enhanced security measures, citing ungoverned spaces across the country and a significant shortage of personnel in federal security agencies, including the police and armed forces.
“The establishment of state police will help address these gaps, particularly in states grappling with unique security issues,” he said.
The governor also disclosed that the NEC secretariat has committed to engaging stakeholders further before the council’s January meeting, where a comprehensive report will be presented.
LEADERSHIP reports that the development marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to decentralise policing amid widespread concerns over insecurity.
If implemented, state police would empower states to establish their own law enforcement agencies to address localised threats more effectively.