Abuja, Nigeria – Vice President Kashim Shettima presided over a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday, marking the first gathering since President Bola Tinubu revived calls for the creation of state police to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
The meeting began around 11:30 a.m. local time at the council chambers of the State House in Abuja. Following opening prayers led by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, participants, including the 36 state governors, the Central Bank governor, and key ministers, entered a closed-door session.
The NEC, a constitutional advisory body chaired by the Vice President, meets monthly to coordinate economic policies but often discusses broader governance and security challenges.
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At a recent meeting with a delegation of eminent citizens from Katsina State, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to establishing state-level policing as a solution to persistent security issues. “I am reviewing all aspects of security; I have to create a state police,” he said.
The creation of state police remains a highly sensitive and divisive issue in Nigeria. While decentralising policing is seen by many as necessary to combat rising violent crime, kidnappings, and insurgencies, previous attempts have stalled amid concerns over potential misuse of police forces by state governors.
Thursday’s NEC session is the first formal meeting of the governors since President Tinubu’s remarks, heightening speculation that the state police debate could be a key topic of discussion.
The council was still in session at the time of reporting.
