State Police Initiative Faces Delay as NEC Meeting Postponed

The Federal Government’s plan to finalize discussions on the establishment of state police has encountered another delay, as the National Economic Council (NEC) did not hold its anticipated meeting in January 2025.

Previously, the NEC had deferred final decisions on creating state police to January, following the submission of written positions from all 36 states, with the majority supporting the initiative. 

The council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, includes the 36 state governors, the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other key government officials.

According to sources within the Presidency and the Council, the NEC was scheduled to meet on January 31. However, this plan was disrupted by an emergency meeting of governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Asaba, Delta State, on that same day.

A source explained, “We had suggested January 31 for the NEC meeting to finalize the discussions not only on state police but other matters as well. But PDP governors met on Friday. And these governors are part of the council. So, we had no choice but to stand down the NEC meeting.”

A senior official in the council confirmed the postponement, stating, “The council was to reconvene on January 31. However, some key stakeholders indicated they will be attending the PDP Governors’ meeting. Without a quorum, there was no point going ahead.”

However, the council deferred conclusive discussions until January to allow for further engagement with other stakeholders and to compile a comprehensive report at the NEC secretariat.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, noted that the process was still in its early stages and would take shape after more deliberations with stakeholders. 

“A lot of work must be done in that direction. But if our government and the state governments agree to the necessity of having state police, this is a significant shift.”

As of the last NEC meeting, the implementation of state police remains in the planning stages, with the Federal Government and state authorities continuing discussions on the constitutional amendments required to empower states to establish and manage their police forces.