All 36 states endorse state police as NEC delays final decision until January

December 13, 2024

By Ayinde Adeleke

All 36 states in Nigeria have submitted their positions on the creation of state police, with a majority agreeing on the need for state-controlled policing.

This was revealed by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, after the 147th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

“Today, one of the discussions we had at the NEC meeting was the update on the creation of state police,” Governor Sani explained. “As you are aware, there was a submission by states toward the establishment of state police. 36 states have submitted, minus FCT.

FCT is not a state. They explained why they had not submitted it. But 36 states have all submitted their own position on state police.

The Governor emphasized that the consensus among states stemmed from the various security challenges faced across the country.

“From what is available, virtually most of the states are in agreement with the establishment of state police in Nigeria,” he said.

“I want to say here clearly that most of us are in agreement with the establishment of State Police.”

Governor Sani highlighted the central issue of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria and the acute shortage of security personnel, including the police, army, and other relevant agencies. “That is why most of us agreed that the establishment of state police in Nigeria is the way forward toward addressing the problem of insecurity in our own country,” he stated.

However, the NEC has deferred final discussions on the matter until January, when a detailed report from the NEC secretariat will be presented for deliberation.

“But today, the Council decided to step down the discussion until the next council meeting because we need to come up with a report from the secretariat,” Governor Sani explained.

“After the report, there will be deliberation at the next NEC meeting, which will likely take place in January.”

The creation of state police has been a topic of discussion in Nigeria, with proponents arguing that it would bring law enforcement closer to the communities they serve, enhance the effectiveness of policing, and allow for more localized control over security matters.

However, opponents fear that state police could lead to the abuse of power, particularly in states with firm political control, potentially exacerbating regional tensions and undermining national unity