The majority of Nigerian state governors have voiced their support for the creation of state police to address escalating security challenges in their regions, according to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.
This development came after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Governor Sani noted that 35 of the 36 states have submitted proposals for establishing state police, with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) being the only exception. He stated, “Virtually most of the states are in agreement with the establishment of state police in Nigeria.”
Despite this widespread support, the council deferred further discussions until January, citing the need for a detailed report from the NEC secretariat. Governor Sani emphasized that the delay would allow for deeper deliberations and further stakeholder engagement.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State provided updates on NEC’s efforts to improve funding for the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
He announced that the council had approved funding for RMAFC through 0.05% of non-oil federation revenue under a proposed tax reform, with the legislation set for National Assembly review.
He said: “Among the issues discussed at today’s NEC was also the presentation of a report in respect of an earlier presentation by the chairman of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to NEC on the 21st of November.
“And seeking essentially revised or repeal the existing Act of Parliament establishing the commission and to replace it with a new one, and then also seeking for revision, I mean a review about alternative funding to the institution.
“So the report elaborately noted the very onerous responsibilities of RMAFC and as a very, very beautiful institution in the functioning of federation, and noted the inadequate funding for this institution to be able to perform its tasks.
“And then also noted the draft repeal and replace legislation that was also pending And after deliberating,this, the council noted thus and approved as follows. First is that RMAFC Should forward the draft bill to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law.
“And second, the council also approved the recommendation for improved funding for RMAFC and approved that the commission be funded with 0.05% non oil federation revenue based on the proposed tax reforms and subjected to further scrutiny by the National Assembly.
“I know the Commission had requested for 0.75 percent but in the wisdom of NEC, it was … 0.05 percent of course, subject to review by the National Assembly.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted plans to develop “Renewed Hope Creative Villages” aimed at revitalizing historic and cultural sites. These projects, according to him, could generate thousands of jobs in the creative sector.
According to him, “The whole idea is for the ministry to be able to work first, with a lot of the sub nationals to identify some of these sites and identify some of these very historic locations, and see how they are adopted, into the creative villages, as a one stop shop.
“We’ve talked about the enormous opportunity that are bound in the creative industry, especially with our rural historic sites and with our monuments. So the whole idea around the presentation was for the ministry to put it at the front burner and for the sub nationals to be able to work with them identify various sites that can become what we call thriving.
“We know that sector has the potential of giving hundreds and thousands of jobs.”
Finance Minister Wale Edun disclosed financial updates, including states’ debts to the federal government, which amount to ₦16.6 billion, and surpluses totaling ₦363.4 billion.
