Governors Say Security Improving Nationwide In NEC Committee Report

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*Urges states in contiguous zones to set up trust fund to complement FG’s efforts in curbing insecurity

*Council also notes significant reduction in proliferation of small arms in wake of border closure

A report on Nigeria’s Security and Policing by a committee comprising Governors and other Federal Government officials have concluded that there have been a significant improvements in security across the country in recent times.

This was one of the highlights at the 100th meeting of the  National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN earlier today at the Council Chambers at the Presidential Villa.

NEC, which comprises Governors of the 36 States of the Federation, the FCT Minister and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, received the report as part of the updates from its Ad Hoc Committee on Security and Policing chaired by the Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi.

The Committee informed NEC that the security situation in the country has improved tremendously, noting also that there is significant reduction in the proliferation of small arms as a result of the closure of the nation’s borders.

The report also noted that given the huge resources involved in managing security, the there is the need for States in the contiguous zones in the country to establish Security Trust Funds to deal with the issues of insecurity.

This the report added that the  implementation of Community Policing Programmes would be aligned  with youth empowerment and job creation

NEC also received the interim report on how to possibly leverage a portion of the accumulated pension funds in the country for investment in infrastructure through the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

Presenting the interim report to NEC today, the chairman of the Committee, Governor Nazir El-Rufai of Kaduna State stated that funds from both Federal and State Governments are not sufficient fall for addressing critical infrastructure projects in the country.

The final report of the Committee is due at the next meeting of the Council.

NEC also received regular financial updates by Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, including the Excess Crude Account (ECA), reporting that its balance as at December 19th 2019 is

$324,967,933.72, Stabilzation Account with a balance of  N30, 479,704,808.45 as at December 17th, 2019 and Natural Resources Development Fund which has a balance of N88, 283, 218,914.40.

According to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed States governments are now repaying the  Budget Support Facility with monthly deductions as agreed by the governors.

Other highlights of NEC’s last meeting for the year included a presentation by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire on polio eradication in the country.  The minister hinted that Nigeria is edging towards certification, having reached three years without a record of WPV since 2016.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Corporation, NDPHC Mr. Chiedu Ugbo also made a presentation on “evaluating options going forward ‘Power Africa – Nigeria’s Power Sector Programme.”