BREAKING: Nigerian Governors endorse creation of state police

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under Minister Nyesom Wike, has yet to submit its recommendations on the creation of state police, further delaying progress on the initiative.

During the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, 36 states presented their recommendations, with the majority of governors supporting the establishment of state police.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who briefed State House correspondents after the meeting, confirmed that a final decision would be reached at the next NEC meeting in January 2025.

“Today, about 35 states have already made their submission for establishing state police in Nigeria, and most are in agreement,” Sani noted.

He explained that discussions were deferred to January to allow the NEC Secretariat to complete its report and conduct further stakeholder engagements.

The issue of state police has gained momentum as a solution to Nigeria’s insecurity, with many governors citing the country’s ungoverned spaces and a shortage of security personnel.

“The establishment of state police in Nigeria is the way forward toward addressing insecurity,” Sani concluded.

In November, Kwara, Kebbi, and Adamawa states were also noted as pending in their submissions, but they have since provided their positions. The FCTA remains the key holdout, stalling consensus on the proposal.