The National Economic Council (NEC) has received reports from 16 of the federation’s states proposing the formation of state police.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who leads the NEC, revealed this in a statement released by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, following the NEC’s 140th meeting on Thursday.
Nkwocha stated that NEC secretary Nebeolisa Anako delivered a presentation on state submissions to the state policing initiative.
He said 20 states have yet to submit reports, but all have expressed support for the establishment of state police.
The states that have already submitted reports and those that have yet to do so were not named.
“States recommended changes in the constitution and the current policing structure to enable the operationalization of the initiative,” Nkwocha added.
Shettima stated that the states’ response to the proposed initiative was unimpressive.
He urged the states that had yet to provide input to expedite action and allow for robust deliberations on the subject at the next council meeting.
On February 15, the federal government established a committee to investigate the creation of state police in the country.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information, stated that the president and governors have agreed on the concept’s modalities.
The minister added that a series of meetings would be held to assess the viability of a decentralised police force.