NEC defers state police discussion for third time — cites time constraints

The national economic council (NEC) on Thursday deferred discussions on the creation of state police for the third time, citing time constraints caused by lengthy presentations.

The meeting, held at the State House, Abuja, and chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, had in attendance state governors, including Ibok-Ete Ibas, sole administrator of Rivers.

Also present were Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and Yemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, said state police was on the agenda but could not be discussed due to the council’s tight schedule.

“For your information, state police was part of our agenda today,” Diri said.

“But unfortunately, because of the time demands — we have been there for a very long time — and the lengthy presentations, we were unable to get to that bit of it.

“I can assure you that in our next meeting, the issue will be exhaustively discussed.”

This marks the third time the council has deferred talks on state police since late 2023.

In November 2024, all 36 states (excluding the FCT) submitted their positions to NEC, with most reportedly supporting the proposal in light of growing insecurity.

A conclusive decision was first postponed from November 2024 to January 2025 to allow for more stakeholders’ engagement and to finalise a comprehensive report.

However, the January meeting was again delayed due to an emergency summit of governors.

The April session was expected to focus on the matter, but it was pushed forward once more due to time constraints.

NEC has consistently stressed the need for extensive consultation and documentation before reaching a decision.

“While we did not get to discuss state police today, the council is aware of the gravity of the security situation and remains committed to finding sustainable solutions,” Diri said.

The council observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims of recent violent attacks in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and Kwara states, where over 100 people have reportedly been killed.

Diri said the gesture was to show sympathy and solidarity, noting that journalists were invited to witness it.

Opeyemi Bamidele, leader of the senate, said the national assembly is developing legal frameworks to establish state police as part of efforts to address insecurity in the country.

“While the authority of the national assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the establishment of state police as one of the measures to address insecurity in the country, we urge security agencies to work together as a team to track and apprehend all the masterminds and sponsors of terror attacks nationwide,” Bamidele said.