ABUJA – The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday approved key economic reforms, including the creation of a Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board and a $90 billion agribusiness and livestock transformation plan, while once again deferring discussions on the much-anticipated issue of state police.
Despite growing insecurity across the country, particularly in Plateau, Benue, and Zamfara States, the council—chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima—did not deliberate on the establishment of state police, a proposal widely seen as crucial to tackling security at the grassroots.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri confirmed that the matter was on the agenda but was deferred due to time-consuming presentations on national issues, including ranching reforms and livestock development strategies.
“There was a presentation from the Ministry of Livestock Development on modernising the sector, with emphasis on cattle ranching and peacebuilding,” Diri stated, assuring that the issue of state police would be addressed at the council’s next sitting.
As part of efforts to curb farmer-herder clashes, President Bola Tinubu urged state governors to allocate land for ranching, promising a comprehensive national plan within weeks. Herdsmen-related violence has impacted at least 22 states, predominantly in the North Central, intensifying calls for localised policing solutions.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani reiterated his support for state police, stating it would significantly curb insecurity at the sub-national level. Speaking during the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting, Sani also noted that the constitutional limitations facing governors have hindered their ability to address security effectively.
Meanwhile, the NGF, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, called for a technology-driven security approach to address the country’s deteriorating security landscape. Following a closed-door session with the CDS in Abuja, the governors agreed to adopt tech-based strategies and boost recruitment into security agencies.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, reading a communiqué on behalf of the NGF Chairman, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, announced that a committee had been set up to explore sustainable security solutions.
“The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management and public safety,” the communiqué read.
Additionally, the council approved the establishment of a national office for the Green Imperative Project (GIP) in Abuja and regional offices across the six geopolitical zones to further support agricultural mechanisation and sustainable food systems.
The National Reserve Development Account was also reviewed, with Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji announcing a balance of ₦72.85 billion as of April 2025.
While economic initiatives gain traction, the deferral of state police continues to raise concerns, especially as insecurity persists in many parts of the country.
