Police to receive 1% from federation account – NEC

The National Economic Council (NEC), yesterday gave approval for the Nigeria Police Force to receive one percent from the Federation Account.

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi told reporters after yesterday's meeting that the cash should be deducted as a first line charge and will be domiciled in the states.

He said that the implementation of the proposal will take immediate effect, adding that the 53% Federal Government component of the 1% fund would be spread across the states.

The cash, which is like what is being deducted for power and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Obi said, would largely assist in tackling insecurity.

Obi, who chairs the Nigeria Reform Police Interim Implementation Committee, said: 'The Council welcomed the proposals we submitted and threw its weight behind the recommendations for a statutory funding of the Police Reform Programme - in line with the provisions of the Constitution.'

'NEC agreed to provide extra funding for the police. It agreed for a deduction of one per cent (1%) first line charge during the revenue allocation. Funds deducted would be used exclusively in the state. The implementation modalities will be worked out.'

He added: 'The Committee recommended the pruning down of the initial overall cost estimate of the reform from N2.8trillion to N 1.5trillion, as well as the extension of the reform period from five to six years, to ensure the government's commitment to the transformation of the police for effective security service delivery.

'The memo also recommended a joint funding of the revised cost of N1.5 trillion with 60% coming from the federal, states and local governments (60%) while the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and international development partners are to contribute 40%.'

The NEC is the major economic body chaired by the vice president. Governors, ministers of National Planning, Finance, FCT and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor are members. The body meets monthly at the State House in Abuja.