The National Economic Council (NEC) has given Adamawa, Kebbi, and Kwara states, along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a one-week deadline to submit their positions on the proposed establishment of state police.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, disclosed this during a press briefing at the State House in Abuja. Governor Diri, who was joined by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, noted that 33 states had already complied with the directive.
Speaking on the matter, Governor Diri said, “Council was updated on the submission of the establishment of state police, and it was reported that 33 states have submitted their positions, while three states—Adamawa, Kebbi, and Kwara, which incidentally is the chairman of our forum—and the FCT are yet to submit their positions.”
He added that NEC has mandated the remaining states and the FCT to comply within one week, stating: “The council resolved to present a consolidated states’ position on the state police to the National Economic Council at our next meeting.”
This directive follows NEC’s earlier stance on September 4, 2024, threatening to impose its decision on non-compliant states.
The proposal for state police has been a critical agenda item, with President Bola Tinubu previously expressing support for the initiative.
In February 2024, Tinubu endorsed the recommendation by state governors to establish state police as a key measure to address the growing insecurity in the country. Following his endorsement, NEC directed states to submit their reports for further deliberation.
