President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with state governors of the federation at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja today February 15.
The meeting which commenced at about 11:30am, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FTC) Chief Nyesom Wike; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The objective of the meeting is said to be about concerns being raised across the country about the rising cost of food items, insecurity and other economic issues.
This meeting will be followed by the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which would be presided over by Vice President Shettima.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government and the 36 states of the Federation have agreed on the need to create state police as a means of combating insecurity across the country.
The agreement was reached at a meeting held between the President and the state governors in the council chamber, State House Abuja today February 15.
Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, said security improvements nationwide were acknowledged, with a focus on enhancing forest rangers’ numerical strength and exploring the possibility of State Police.
He said further discussion will be held on the issue between government at the centre and the states before sending a bill to that effect to the National Assembly for necessary constitutional amendment.
On food crisis, the Minister, who spoke in the company of Governors of Plateau, Kaduna and Delta states, disclosed that the National Security Adviser, Director General of State Services, and Inspector General of Police have been directed to collaborate with state governors in addressing hoarding concerns, particularly in the wake of soaring commodity prices.
The meeting, Mohammed further said, also emphasized the need for enhanced investments in agriculture to combat food shortages, declaring a halt to food importation to broaden Nigeria’s self-sufficiency and potential as a net exporter.
