The push to institutionalise state policing could take centre stage as Vice President Kashim Shettima presides over the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.
The indication of a likely discussion and move on the state policing debate became strong with the fact that this is the first NEC since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed calls for decentralised policing to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
The session, which began at about 11:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, opened with prayers led by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori before participants moved into a closed-door meeting.
The NEC, a constitutional advisory body chaired by the vice president, comprises the 36 state governors, the Central Bank governor, and key ministers. While it is primarily tasked with coordinating economic policy, its agenda often extends to broader governance issues, including security.
President Tinubu had recently told a delegation of eminent citizens from Katsina State that he was committed to reforming the nation’s security architecture.
Past attempts to amend the constitution and give states policing authority have repeatedly stalled, even as violent crime, kidnapping, and insurgencies continue to stretch federal security forces.
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