The Federal Capital Territory Administration, headed by Minister Nyesom Wike, has once again delayed a final decision on the formation of state police by failing to submit its recommendations.
At Thursday’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representatives from 36 states presented their recommendations.
While the majority of states supported the creation of state police, the absence of input from the FCT hindered a conclusive resolution.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who spoke to the press after the meeting, confirmed that most governors are in favor of establishing state police.
He added that a final decision will be made at the next NEC meeting in January 2025.
Sani said, “Today, one of the key discussions at the NEC meeting was the progress on the creation of state police. As you know, states have submitted their proposals for establishing state police. Currently, 35 states have made submissions, and the overwhelming majority of them support the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
“However, the council decided to defer the discussion until the next meeting, as we need a report from the secretariat. Once the report is ready, it will be deliberated at the next NEC meeting, likely in January. Additionally, as per a resolution from the previous NEC meeting, the secretariat has agreed that further stakeholder engagements will take place following the panel’s deliberations.
“What we can confirm is that 35 states have made their submissions, with many agreeing on the need for state police, given that each state faces unique security challenges. With numerous ungoverned spaces in Nigeria and a shortage of security personnel across the police, military, and other agencies, the need for state police is even more pressing. This is why the majority of us are in favor of its establishment.”
