NEC sits over state police as govs plan forest guards
NEC sits over state police as govs plan forest guards Punch Newspapers
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The National Economic Council to Reconvene as More States Submit Reports on State Police
The National Economic Council (NEC) is set to reconvene later this month as more state governments have submitted their reports on the establishment of state police, according to The PUNCH.
Deployment of Forest Guards by States
As of now, at least 10 states have begun the process of deploying forest guards to protect farmers and flush out bandits. This decision was made during a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the governors in February. The Federal Government and states agreed to recruit forest rangers and invest in more training to ensure the safety of forests and borders.
NEC’s 140th Meeting
During NEC’s 140th meeting on March 21, reports were received from 16 state governors expressing their support for establishing state police. They also recommended changes to the constitution to facilitate the smooth establishment of state police.
Submission of Reports by More States
According to Mr. Nebeolisa Anako, the Secretary of NEC, more states have submitted their reports. However, the specific states were not disclosed. The total number of states supporting the establishment of state police will be presented at the next NEC meeting.
Next NEC Meeting
The next NEC meeting is scheduled to be held on April 18. The exact date for April’s gathering will be confirmed after the holidays.
About the National Economic Council
The National Economic Council (NEC) was established by the provisions of section 153(1) and Paragraphs 18 & 19 of part I of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It consists of the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank, and other co-opted government officials. Chaired by the Vice President, the council meets monthly to advise the President on economic affairs and coordinate economic planning efforts.
Support for State Police
On February 16, the Federal and state governments resolved to develop modalities to create state police in order to address the country’s security crisis. The possibility of setting up state police was discussed during President Tinubu’s meeting with the governors. More work and meetings between the Federal Government and sub-national entities are required to determine the modalities of achieving this shift.
Efforts by States to Strengthen Security
Several states have already taken steps to strengthen security within their territories. For example, Ogun State plans to recruit at least 500 forest guards to combat bandits troubling farmers. Plateau State has enlisted the collaboration of agro rangers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect farms. Osun State has also expressed its readiness to establish forest guards. Ekiti State has recently recruited new foresters, boundary men, and technicians to address deforestation and illegal activities in its forests. Kebbi State is working on establishing a community guard corps to tackle security challenges. Bayelsa State has a community safety corps that will be deployed in farms. Benue State already has forest guards in place, and Sokoto State plans to recruit more forest guards.
Agro Rangers
Kwara State is utilizing the agro rangers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to guard farms and ensure improved security.
- Additional reports by Abiodun Nejo, Chima Azubuike, Bola Bamigbola, John Charles, James Abraham, Daniels Igoni, and Tunde Oyekola
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
- SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
- SDG 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:
- Number of states that have submitted reports on the establishment of state police (indicator for SDG 16.7)
- Number of forest guards recruited by each state government (indicator for SDG 2.3 and SDG 15.2)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. | Number of states that have submitted reports on the establishment of state police. |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment. | Number of forest guards recruited by each state government. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. | Number of forest guards recruited by each state government. |
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Source: punchng.com
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