The National Economic Council (NEC) Thursday received proposals for the creation of state police from 16 states of the federation.
The Secretary of NEC, Mr Nebeolisa Anako, said this in his presentation at the 140th meeting of the council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
He said 20 states were yet to send in report In respect of the creation of state police.
Anako said the 16 states recommended changes in the constitution and the current policing structure to enable the operationalization of the initiative.
While noting the presentation, Vice President Shettima observed that the rate of submissions by the states was not impressive.
He urged the states yet to make inputs to expedite action to enable robust deliberations on the subject matter at the next council meeting.
The council also received report on the special ) zones programme by the national programme coordinator, Dr Kabir Yusuf.
He said all processes for establishing the phase 1 of the SAPZ had been completed and disbursement for states kick started.
He said Expression of Interest (EOIs) have been received from 27 states: (Adamawa Pending amidst advantage of Anchor Investor; Sebore farms).
He said guidance letters had been sent to 27 governors for studies and request to provide focal points.
The VP called on the SAPZ Financing Partners to fast-track implementation of Component 2 to boost Food Security and drive the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business Dr Jumoke Oduwole also briefed the council on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
The council stressed the need for states to commence preparations for the 2025 subnational ranking for ease of doing business in Nigeria.
The council also directed its ad-hoc committee on economic affairs to work with the Federal Ministry of Finance in coming up with an appropriate approach to states concerns relating to risks associated with loan facilities from development partners.
Following deliberations on critical economic matters and assessments of potential short-term, medium and long-term strategies to address pressing economic issues at the 138th NEC Meeting held on the 21st of December 2023, a committee on Economic Matters was established and to be chaired by Kwara state Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
The committee’s main objective is to develop a feasible and effective roadmap for addressing economic issues affecting Nigerians at the national and sub-national levels and avert a possible economic and socio-political crisis.
Members of the committee include governors of Gombe, Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, Katsina, and Anambra states.
Also in the committee are , Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of Finance, Special Adviser to the President on NEC and the Special Assistant to the President on NEC.
The committee was given one month to put together its plans and send in report within the second quarter of 2024.
