The federal government, alongside the governments of the 36 states, are considering the creation of state police.

This followed an emergency meeting between President Bola Tinubu and state governors at the Aso Rock Villa on Thursday.

Thursday’s meeting follows the recent hike in food prices, economic hardship, and pockets of insecurity recorded nationwide.

Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the process is still in its infancy and would only take shape after more deliberations between stakeholders.

He said, “There is also a discussion around the issue of state police. The federal government and the state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police.

“Of course, this is still going to be further discussed. A lot of work has to be done in that direction. But if our government and the state governments agree to the necessity of having state police, this is a significant shift.

“Like I said, more work needs to be done in that direction. A lot of meetings will have to happen between the Federal Government and dissolved nationals to see the modalities of achieving this.”

The debate for the creation of state police in Nigeria primarily stems from the centralised nature of the Nigerian Police Force, which is perceived by many as inadequate for addressing the unique security challenges across the country’s diverse regions.

Proponents argue that the outfit would bring law enforcement closer to the communities they serve, enhance the effectiveness of policing, and allow for more localised control over security matters.

However, those who are against the idea fear that state police could lead to abuse of power, particularly in states with strong political control, potentially exacerbating regional tensions and undermining national unity.

Amid the economic hardship facing Nigerians, the federal government has said there would be no need to import food items into the country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who made the disclosure shortly after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the state governors, on Thursday, said the government had ordered a clampdown on food hoarders.

According to the Minister, security agencies would collaborate with state governments to arrest the hoarders and make food commodities available to Nigerians at the appropriate price.

“The governors and Mr President have decided that security agencies will collaborate with the state governors to ensure this ends.

“Number two, a decision has also been taken, that in the interest of our country, there will be no need for food importation at this point.

“Nigeria has the potential to feed itself and even be a net exporter of food items to other countries. What we’re seeing now is just a temporary difficulty that will soon be over, ” Idris said.