State Governors Back Creation of State Police Amid Security Challenges; NEC Set for January Review
A significant majority of Nigeria’s 36 state governors have expressed their support for the establishment of state police, according to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State. This agreement comes as the National Economic Council (NEC) prepares to review the governors’ proposals regarding state police during its meeting scheduled for January next year.
In a briefing to journalists following the NEC meeting, which was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Governor Sani noted that the increasing security challenges faced by various states prompted the governors’ consensus on this issue. He pointed out that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has yet to submit its stance on the creation of state police.
“During the NEC meeting, we received updates on the establishment of state police,” Sani explained. “As you may know, states have put forth submissions to advocate for the creation of state police. Currently, 36 states have presented their proposals, indicating that a vast majority are in favor of this initiative, given the unique security issues each state confronts.”
Governor Sani added that the NEC decided to postpone further discussions on the topic until the next meeting, where the secretariat will present a comprehensive report. “Following the report, there will be discussions at the next NEC meeting in January,” he said, emphasizing the need for further engagement with stakeholders after deliberations by council members.
On related matters, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State shared insights into an approval by the NEC for funding the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) through 0.05% derived from non-oil federation revenue, as part of proposed tax reforms.
Soludo detailed that the NEC deliberated on a report regarding a previous presentation by the RMAFC chairman on November 21, which called for a revision or repeal of the existing legislation governing the commission. The report highlighted the essential role of the RMAFC within the federation and underscored its current funding inadequacies.
“The report elaborated on the commission’s critical responsibilities and the need for enhanced funding to fulfill its mandate effectively,” Soludo stated. “The council agreed to forward the recommended draft bill for legislative consideration and approved the provision of funding from 0.05% of non-oil revenue, pending further review by the National Assembly.”
This dialogue at the NEC reflects the growing emphasis on tailored security measures within Nigeria’s diverse regions, along with a concerted effort to enhance institutional support for revenue management.
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