Nigeria Security Concerns: NEC Says Only 16 States Submitted Proposals For State Police Establishment

National Economic Council (NEC) said on Thursday that only 16 out of the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have submitted reports on the proposed establishment of state police, amid the security crisis in Nigeria.

NEC has endorsed the implementation of the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) program across 36 states of the FCT.

During the virtual meeting, Vice President Kashim Shettima noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration will leave a legacy of prosperity and opportunity for all citizens, as per the official statement.

He also noted that: "One, we won't ever regret paving the way for the acquisition of skills that meet the needs of the global markets; two, our actions today will shape the economic landscape of tomorrow, and so it's incumbent upon us to ensure that we leave a legacy of prosperity and opportunity for all Nigerians."

The vice president said whenever entrepreneurs and small business owners were empowered in a country, that nation unlocked the potential for innovation, job creation and economic growth. He explained that this empowerment can be done by providing access to financing, training and mentorship programs.

"We unleash the entrepreneurial spirit that lies within every Nigerian, catalyzing a wave of economic prosperity that benefits us all. We cannot achieve this without inclusivity and equitable access to opportunities," he said. "This is the ladder we must offer to every disadvantaged citizen."

Shettima noted that the government has "moved beyond mere deliberations to the implementation phase" and is already pursuing its "short-term goals en route to achieving our medium-term and long-term strategies."

The vice president highlighted the importance of prioritizing job creation and skill development across the nation to benefit citizens, noting that current interventions on issues like natural disasters, crude oil theft, inflation, and environmental damage will only be effective with this focus.

Aside from the vice president, the Executive Director in charge of SMEs at the Bank of Industry Shekarau Omar discussed the i-DICE program, a government initiative aimed at fulfilling the Tinubu administration's promise to generate millions of jobs in the technology sector.

He explained that the program supports the government's goal of creating more sustainable jobs, diversifying the economy and establishing digital and creative incubation hubs across Nigeria.

Omar mentioned that organizations such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) who will be financing the program.