March 22, 2024, 1:25 pm

The NEC reports that only 16 states have submitted presentations regarding the establishment of state police.

The NEC reports that only 16 states have submitted presentations regarding the establishment of state police.

In Abuja, the National Economic Council (NEC) disclosed that only 16 out of the 36 states in the federation, along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have submitted reports concerning the proposed establishment of state police, considering the prevailing security challenges in the country. Additionally, NEC endorsed the implementation of the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) program across all 36 states and the FCT. Despite the endorsement, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation revealed that several months after the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration granted states and the FCT a N1.72 trillion budget support grant, they are yet to refund the funds. During the 140th virtual meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, it was noted that although all states expressed support for the concept of state police, only 16 had submitted their reports on the matter. Shettima emphasized the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a legacy of prosperity and opportunity for all Nigerians.State governors were urged to nominate representatives for each geopolitical zone and focal persons to oversee the implementation of the i-DICE program in their respective states. Senator Shettima, in his opening statement, assured that the administration would persist in its efforts until citizens begin to enjoy the promised opportunities, with a focus on prioritizing skill acquisition and job creation. Shettima emphasized the importance of paving the way for skills acquisition aligned with global market demands and highlighted the significant impact such actions would have on shaping the future economic landscape. He stressed the responsibility incumbent upon them to leave behind a legacy of prosperity and opportunity for all Nigerians, emphasizing that empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners would unlock innovation, spur job creation, and drive economic growth. Encouraging governors and council members to remain steadfast in executing initiatives aimed at uplifting citizens from their current situation, Shettima reiterated the importance of continuity in their efforts. Regarding the i-DICE program, Mr. Shekarau Omar, Executive Director in charge of SMEs at the Bank of Industry, outlined its objectives. He explained that the program, a special government intervention, aims to fulfill the promise of creating millions of jobs in the technology sector under the Tinubu administration. Omar detailed the funding sources for the program, which include contributions from organizations such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), among others. Omar also highlighted the expected impact of the program, stating that over 1.2 million youths would be trained and certified in ICT skills, with at least 25,000 youths trained in each state and the FCT. He projected the creation of a significant number of direct and indirect jobs nationwide through i-DICE interventions. Additionally, the financial status report presented during the meeting revealed that the Excess Crude Account (ECA) stood at $473,754.57, the Stabilization Account at N33,808,342,662.88, and the current balance of natural resources at N113,925,600,918.68.

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