The National Economic Council is set to reconvene later this month as more state governments have submitted their reports on the establishment of state police.
This development emerged on Monday with reports from our correspondents indicating that over 10 states had initiated the deployment of forest guards to safeguard farmers and combat banditry.
During a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in February, the Federal Government and states agreed to bolster forest rangers' recruitment and invest in additional training to enhance forest and border security, according to Information Minister Mohammed Idris.
At the NEC's 140th meeting at Aso Rock Villa on March 21, 16 state governors presented their reports supporting the establishment of state police and recommended constitutional amendments to facilitate the process.
NEC's Secretary, Mr. Nebeolisa Anako, confirmed that more states had submitted reports in response to inquiries from our correspondent on Monday.
Although the next meeting is slated for April 18, Anako mentioned that a confirmed date for April's session would be announced after the holidays.
NEC, established by the Constitution, convenes monthly to advise the President on economic matters and coordinate economic planning efforts among the various levels of government.
On February 16, the Federal and state governments agreed to devise strategies for creating state police to address the nation's security challenges.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, disclosed at President Tinubu's meeting with governors in February that discussions were ongoing regarding the establishment of state police.
He also noted that the House of Representatives have passed a bill proposing the creation of state police on February 20, 2024, with the legislation scheduled for further readings.
Notably, the Presidency emphasized that the success of both state police and forest guards initiatives would hinge on the actions of state governors.
