NEC sets deadline for state police reports, releases N3b flood relief funds

• Council warns Kwara, Sokoto others of binding decision on state police
• Govt seeks collaboration to tackle poverty, improve quality of life

The National Economic Council (NEC) yesterday gave four states a deadline of Monday, September 9, to submit their reports on the establishment of state police.

This came as the Federal Government released N3 billion to states affected by the ravaging flood in the country.

The NEC also resolved to adopt the comprehensive reports from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja on Monday and warned that any of the four states that refused to submit its report before the deadline, any decision taken would be binding on such state.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu agreed on Thursday, February 15, 2024, on the need to establish state police as recommended by governors as part of measures aimed at curbing rising insecurity in the country.

Thereafter, states were tasked to submit their reports to the council for deliberation and further action.

Briefing reporters after the NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, said four states, including Kwara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had yet to turn in their reports.

According to him, an update on the establishment of state police was considered due to the security challenges across the nation, especially in the North East, North Central, South West, South East, and South South.

He explained that the essence is to ensure robust security in the country, adding, “It was for that purpose that the NEC sometime last year considered the establishment of State police and asked states to make submissions of considerations.

“Today (yesterday), all the states were supposed to submit for NEC’s consideration. Incidentally, four states couldn’t, and for that purpose, NEC decided that those states must make their submissions on or before Monday next week; otherwise, whatever decision next date on the establishment of State police will be binding on those states.”

Also briefing, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed said NEC discussed the flood situation across the states. He explained that the governors acknowledged the support of the federal government in releasing N3 billion for the provision of palliatives.

He said, “The flood was more devastating along the North East axis, where a major artery between Kano and Maiduguri was cut off. This had devastating effects on households, schools, bridges, and other means of livelihood. Lives were lost, and many properties were also destroyed.

“That has provided a big challenge to us as a government and as a people in our states because we need to provide more food security. Already, farmlands are submerged, and therefore there’s a need for collaboration between all the tiers of government to ensure food security.”

The Governor of Bauchi stated that this year’s harvest may not meet expectations due to the impact of flooding. He emphasised the importance of planning, collaboration, and coordination during the harvest period to address the potential shortfall in bumper harvest.

The governor also called for collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the state ministries to ensure a comprehensive response.

Additionally, he mentioned the need to provide an inventory of the destruction caused by the flooding before Monday and highlighted the establishment of governance structures to address the situation.

THE Federal Government also called for a strong alliance among key government players at all levels and development partners to lift Nigerians out of poverty and improve the quality of life for all.

Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised the need for collaboration in governance to create an environment where every Nigerian can thrive.

While acknowledging the challenges inherited by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Shettima stressed the urgency of implementing quick, impactful measures alongside long-term solutions.

He commended the efforts of development partners, particularly Bill Gates, co-chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group of Companies, for their significant investments in critical areas such as health, nutrition, agriculture, and education.

Shettima highlighted the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s recent approval of the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA), an initiative aimed at revolutionising the cassava industry, a crucial pillar of Nigeria’s economy and food security.

The Vice President urged state governors to recognise their role in redefining Nigeria’s future and emphasised the importance of collective action in tackling socio-economic threats and promoting development.

Shettima also highlighted the critical need to invest in food security and nutrition, expressing delight with the efforts and reforms made by state governors to boost agriculture. He called for unified attention and action to address the nation’s nutrition crisis, emphasising the importance of children’s health and well-being for the future of the nation.

For his part, Mr Bill Gates reiterated his belief in Nigerians’ incredible potential, noting that its “economic leaders have taken important but difficult steps, such as unifying the exchange rate.”

He said, “The next major challenge is raising revenue. I understand this is a politically sensitive area where Nigerians are struggling. Incomes have fallen, prices have soared, and like in many other countries, people are protesting.”

Describing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as ambitious, Gates, however, said that the Nigerian leader has “assembled a cabinet ready to meet the challenge,” adding that “with limited resources, putting the funds to the best possible use is key.”