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The push to establish state police is expected to dominate discussions at today’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The meeting, which began around 11:30 a.m. at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, opened with prayers led by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori before members moved into a closed-door session. Sources say the highly anticipated debate on state policing will take centre stage. Read Also: Rivers Assembly to Resume Plenary Thursday After Six-Month Emergency Rule The NEC, a constitutional advisory body chaired by the vice president, comprises all 36 state governors, the Central Bank governor, and key ministers. Although primarily responsible for coordinating economic policy, the council frequently addresses broader governance issues, including national security. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has in recent weeks renewed calls for decentralised policing as part of efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture. Hosting a delegation from Katsina State at the State House, Tinubu declared: “I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create a state police.” The president’s remarks have reignited a longstanding debate. Supporters of state policing argue that decentralising law enforcement would make security more responsive to local realities, while critics warn that governors could exploit such powers for political advantage. Past efforts to amend the constitution and grant states policing authority have repeatedly stalled, even as kidnapping, banditry, and insurgency continue to strain federal security forces.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday evening returned to Abuja after spending part of his annual holiday in France. On arrival, he was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, and other senior government officials. Read Also: FCT Minister Bunkure Urges Easter Pilgrims to Pray for Nigeria’s Peace, Unity Photos:

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, will on Thursday, September 18, 2025, flag off 12 new road projects, commission two completed ones, and inaugurate the “Light Up Abuja” initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and security in the capital city. According to a statement signed by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the programme will run from September 18 to October 16, 2025, covering roads and solar lighting projects across major districts and expressways in the Federal Capital City (FCC). As part of the activities, the minister will commission access roads in Sector Centre B, Dakibiyu District, as well as the newly constructed Roads ILS 11 (Esther Bali Street) and MAR 24 (Kez Udezue Street) in Mabushi District. The Light Up Abuja project will deliver integrated solar-powered street lighting across Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Central Business District (CBD), Airport Expressway, Katampe, Garki I and II, Mabushi, Gudu, Jabi, and Katampe Extension. Read Also: FCT Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Paediatric Surgical Care The road projects set for flag-off include the full development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, and provision of access roads to key sites such as the Mabushi Bus Terminal and the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project site in Karsana West. Other projects include bypass access to the Airport Second Runway with a four-span bridge, access road to the FCT Fire Service Station with erosion control measures in Kaura District, and several bridges and transit connections within the Central Area, Wuse, Asokoro, Guzape, Katampe, and other districts. In addition, the minister will oversee the rehabilitation of the 15-kilometre Old Keffi Road, from Kado Village to Dei-Dei Junction, and the construction of residences for the heads of federal courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the FCT, and President of the National Industrial Court. The announcement comes on the heels of recent flag-offs by Wike, including the expansion of water supply to Bwari and Karu satellite towns, the construction of a multi-purpose sports centre in Kafe District, a new Magistrate Court complex in Jabi, and the emergency reconstruction of Karu Road, which was expanded to cover adjoining critical routes. The FCT Administration said the projects reflect its commitment to accelerating infrastructure development, improving mobility, and enhancing the living standards of residents across Abuja.