Shettima Chairs NEC Meeting Amid Renewed Calls for State Police

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday presided over a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), the first since President Bola Tinubu intensified calls for the establishment of state police to address rising insecurity across the country.

The session, which began at about 11:30 a.m. local time, saw the governors and key ministers entering a closed-door meeting following opening prayers by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

The NEC, a constitutional advisory body chaired by the vice president, comprises the 36 state governors, the Central Bank governor, and key federal ministers. While it primarily coordinates economic policy, the council often deliberates on broader governance and security matters.

During a recent engagement with a Katsina state delegation of eminent citizens at the State House, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to establishing state policing, saying: “I am reviewing all aspects of security; I have to create a state police.”

The proposal for state-level policing has long been a contentious issue in Nigeria, as violent crimes, kidnappings, and insurgencies continue to strain national security forces. Past attempts at decentralising policing have been stalled over concerns of potential political misuse by state governors.

Thursday’s NEC meeting is the first formal gathering of governors since the president’s remarks, raising expectations that the creation of state police may be discussed in detail.

At the time of filing this report, the NEC session was still ongoing.