National Economic Council Fails to Address State Police Issue, Prioritizes Flood Mitigation and Food Security

Strategic Insights -

The National Economic Council (NEC), presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, failed to address the contentious issue of state police at its 152nd meeting on Thursday, September 18, in Abuja. Despite renewed calls for debate, the Council shifted its focus to pressing national concerns, including the growing threat of flooding and strategies to bolster food security ahead of the 2025 dry season. The NEC received a detailed briefing from National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu on the Anticipatory Action Framework, a comprehensive strategy to protect vulnerable populations in 13 high-risk states.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Economic Council (NEC) chose not to engage in discussions on the contentious issue of state police at its 152nd meeting, despite renewed calls for debate.
  • NEC prioritized the growing threat of flooding and strategies to bolster food security ahead of the 2025 dry season, receiving a detailed briefing from National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu on the Anticipatory Action Framework.
  • The NEC commended the visionary approach but directed that its scope be expanded to cover more states before being ratified at the next NEC meeting.
  • The Council urged that risk communications be intensified via state broadcast channels, town halls, and community leaders to ensure grassroots preparedness.
  • NEC unanimously endorsed a breakthrough solar-powered irrigation pump developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), which promises to reduce energy costs for farmers and support Nigeria's broader food security agenda.
  • The Council resolved to seek President Tinubu's formal approval and financial backing to enable NASENI to rapidly scale up production of the solar-powered irrigation pump.
  • The NEC also reviewed concerns raised by Jigawa State Governor regarding high energy and fertiliser costs that continue to impede agricultural productivity and worsen the fragile food security situation.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria's Excess Crude Account (ECA) holds a modest balance of $535,823.39 as of Tuesday, September 17, 2025.
  • The Stabilisation Account currently holds ?83.5 billion.
  • The Natural Resources Development Account maintains a healthier balance of ?125.8 billion.
  • NASENI is capable of producing 90,000 to 100,000 units of the solar-powered irrigation pump per month.
  • 250,000 farmers have been insured across eight states, as mentioned by Vice President Shettima.
  • The 30 per cent Value Addition Bill is advancing, as mentioned by Vice President Shettima.
  • The ?250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility is being activated to reach smallholders, as mentioned by Vice President Shettima.

Sources:

  • "At its 152nd meeting held on Thursday, September 18, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the National Economic Council (NEC), presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima..."
  • "Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, had categorically stated during the NEC meeting in February 2025 that all 36 states were favourably disposed to the establishment of state police, assuring them that when the Council reconvenes, it would make a pronouncement and resolve the matter."
  • "The Nigerian Governors, after a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasised the need for increased recruitment into security agencies and the adoption of technology-driven solutions to tackle killings at various state levels."
  • "The Council commended this visionary approach but directed that its scope be expanded to cover more states before being ratified at the next NEC meeting."
  • "NEC unanimously endorsed a breakthrough solar-powered irrigation pump developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)."
  • "The Council resolved to seek President Tinubu's formal approval and financial backing to enable NASENI to rapidly scale up production-currently capable of 90,000 to 100,000 units per month-in time for the 2025 farming season."