The National Economic Council (NEC) has set a deadline of September 9, 2024, for all states to submit their positions on the establishment of state police.
This decision was announced on Wednesday during a meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting at the State House in Abuja, Oyo State’s Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, revealed that out of the 36 states, four had yet to inform NEC of their stance on the matter.
Lawal explained that NEC instructed these remaining states to declare their positions by Monday. Although the states in question were not named, NEC warned that any state failing to comply by the deadline would have to accept the final decision made.
Growing Support for State Police
In recent years, the topic of state police has gained momentum, with leaders, including governors and regional groups like Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, advocating for it as a solution to rising crime rates, such as kidnapping and banditry.
This push led to an agreement between President Bola Tinubu and the 36 state governors in mid-February 2024, endorsing state police as a means to address the country’s worsening security situation.
A month after the agreement, 16 governors submitted reports to NEC backing the creation of state police and calling for amendments to the 1999 Constitution to facilitate its establishment. More states have since followed suit, leaving only four yet to make their submissions.
Concerns About State Police
While there is widespread support for state police, the proposal has drawn criticism. Some argue that funding could become a challenge, with governors possibly seeking higher monthly allocations. Others fear that governors might misuse state police to target political rivals.