Governors Support State Police As NEC Postpones Decision To January

Governors Show Support for State Police
The push for state-controlled policing gained momentum as all 36 Nigerian states submitted their positions, with the majority supporting the initiative. Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, disclosed this after the 147th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

According to Governor Sani, most states agreed on the need for state police to address widespread security challenges, such as ungoverned spaces and a shortage of security personnel. He stated, “Establishing state police in Nigeria is the way forward for addressing the problem of insecurity in our country.”

NEC Defers Final Decision Until January
While consensus appears strong, NEC deferred final discussions until January to allow for the presentation of a detailed report by the NEC secretariat. The Council also plans further stakeholder engagement to refine the framework for state police.

Governor Sani explained, “The Council decided to step down the discussion until the next meeting. After the report, deliberations will take place in January.”

The deferment follows a resolution from NEC’s 146th meeting on November 21, which mandated the remaining states—Adamawa, Kebbi, and Kwara—and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to submit their positions within a week.

The Road to State Police Creation
Talks on establishing state police began in February 2024 during a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and state governors. These discussions were driven by growing insecurity, rising food prices, and economic hardship across the country.

The Federal Government and state authorities are now considering constitutional amendments to empower states to create and manage their police forces. In March, 16 states submitted reports detailing their plans, while the remaining 20 states completed submissions by May.

Despite progress, the implementation of state police remains in the planning stages. The Bayelsa State Governor emphasized the need to address bureaucratic delays, saying, “The timeline given for submissions was short, and efforts are underway to hasten the process.”

Support and Opposition
Advocates for state police argue that decentralizing the Nigerian Police Force will enhance community-focused law enforcement and improve security across regions. Proponents believe this model can address localized security issues more effectively.

However, critics warn that state police could lead to the abuse of power, particularly in politically controlled states, and risk undermining national unity by intensifying regional tensions.

Looking Ahead
The NEC’s January meeting will be pivotal in determining the future of state policing in Nigeria. With widespread support from governors, further deliberations will aim to address constitutional, operational, and governance concerns to ensure a sustainable and effective security framework for the nation.