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.
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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.