The majority of Nigeria’s 36 state governors have expressed support for the establishment of state police, according to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. Speaking after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Governor Sani stated, “Virtually most of the states are in agreement with the establishment of state police in Nigeria.”
He further revealed that 35 states had submitted proposals supporting state police, with only the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yet to finalize its stance. He added, “Considering the fact that virtually every state has their peculiarity in terms of the problem of insecurity, the creation of state police is necessary.”
However, the discussion was deferred to the NEC’s January 2025 meeting to allow the secretariat to compile a detailed report. Governor Sani noted, “The council decided to step down the discussion until the next council meeting because we need to come up with a report from the secretariat. Afterward, there will be further stakeholder engagement.”
Tax Reforms and RMAFC Funding
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo also briefed the press on NEC’s approval of a 0.05% allocation from non-oil federal revenue to fund the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). Highlighting the importance of RMAFC, Governor Soludo said, “This is a very beautiful institution in the functioning of the federation, but it has been inadequately funded.”
He disclosed that NEC approved the commission’s proposal to forward a draft bill to the National Assembly to repeal and replace the existing RMAFC Act. “The council also approved the recommendation for improved funding for RMAFC and that the commission be funded with 0.05% of non-oil federal revenue based on the proposed tax reforms,” Soludo explained.
