In a stride towards propelling the discourse on establishing state police, sixteen governors have presented memoranda endorsing the initiative. This significant development unfolded during the 140th virtual session of the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The initial findings shared with the NEC underscored the broad support extended by the governors towards instituting state policing frameworks, marking a noteworthy advancement in the dialogue surrounding national security restructuring.
The delivery of memoranda by sixteen state governors accentuates the mounting consensus among state leadership concerning the necessity for decentralized policing structures. The concept of state police has long been under scrutiny in Nigeria, with advocators championing its adoption to bolster security and tackle local law enforcement hurdles more efficiently. The endorsement of this proposition by a substantial cohort of governors reflects a collective acknowledgment of the need to explore alternative policing paradigms aligned with each state’s unique socio-political landscape.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, presiding over the NEC meeting, underscored the significance of constructive discourse and collaboration in grappling with the intricate conundrum of national security. He lauded the governors for their proactive involvement and dedication to seeking feasible resolutions to the prevailing security dilemmas confronting the nation. The virtual format of the meeting facilitated robust engagement from governors representing diverse states, fostering an inclusive dialogue on the pivotal subject of state policing and its potential ramifications for law enforcement and security administration at the subnational echelon.
