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.