Tinubu, State Govs Mull State Police

* Rules out importation of food items

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

The Federal Government and the 36 states of the Federation have agreed on the need to create state police as a means of beefing up security across the country.

This was the highlight of the meeting held on Thursday between President Bola Tinubu and the 36 state governors at the State House, Abuja. 

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, Information and National Orientation Minister, 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.

Details later…