NEC Sidesteps State Police Debate As Insecurity Deepens

The National Economic Council (NEC) has, once again, sidestepped deliberations on the creation of state police, despite increasing calls for its adoption as a solution to the country’s worsening insecurity.

At its 152nd meeting held in Abuja and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the council instead approved the nationwide rollout of solar-powered irrigation pumps developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). The initiative is aimed at reducing farmers’ costs, boosting dry-season farming, and contributing to food security in 2025.

Although President Bola Tinubu had earlier publicly supported the establishment of state police—a proposal endorsed by at least 34 governors—the issue neither appeared on the agenda nor received any discussion at Thursday’s session. A source familiar with the meeting confirmed it was not tabled for debate, dashing public expectations of progress on the long-running security reform.

On the agricultural front, Vice President Shettima hailed the NASENI innovation, noting that the solar-powered pumps, which replace costly petrol-driven models, would cut expenses for farmers, expand cultivation, and even provide supplementary electricity for households. He highlighted features such as GPS tracking, mobile app integration, usage monitoring, and pay-as-you-go options, describing them as proof of Nigerian ingenuity.

The council directed the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, to design a funding framework that would enable mass production and timely distribution of the pumps ahead of the 2025 dry season.

Shettima further disclosed that other agricultural support initiatives were underway, including insurance coverage for 250,000 farmers across eight states, the advancement of the 30 percent Value Addition Bill, and the activation of a ₦250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility to assist smallholders.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori provided updates on Nigeria’s national accounts as of September 17, 2025. He said the Excess Crude Account balance stood at $535,823.39, the Stabilization Account at ₦83.49 billion, and the Natural Resources Account at ₦125.82 billion.

Also speaking, Senator Bagudu confirmed that the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) updated the council on preparations for the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit.

On security and disaster preparedness, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum revealed that the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, presented the Anticipatory Action Framework for Riverine Flooding. The strategy is designed to mitigate the humanitarian and economic impact of floods through early warning systems, preparedness measures, and coordinated responses.

The council urged state governments to strengthen risk communication to vulnerable communities using radio, town halls, and local broadcast channels. It also recommended increased support for State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) through improved funding, modern equipment, and enhanced training to ensure effective disaster management.