President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the sum of N13.3 billion for the take-off of Community Policing initiative across Nigeria.
This is part of measures aimed at containing the security challenges plaguing the country.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed the approval during a virtual meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday according to a statement issued by his media aide, Laolu Akande.
The statement disclosed that it was agreed at the meeting that the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and two other governors should meet with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Finance Minister and the Inspector General of Police to coordinate the proper utilization of the funding of the initiative.
The statement read, “The National Economic Council Ad-hoc Committee on Security and Policing had made a presentation on its assignment to the council, noting that engagement with key stakeholders on the operationalisation of community policing in the country was ongoing.
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“The presentation was made by Governor Kayode Fayemi, who is also the Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum.
“Other reports received by council at today’s meeting included reports on the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country; flood disaster risk management in Nigeria for 2020, and the issue of compensation payments regarding federal highway projects across the country.
“Responding to two presentations on the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: one by NEC’s Adhoc committee interfacing with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, and the other by Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, the state governors commended the efforts and commitment of the Federal Government in containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting states’ response capacity through various interventions.
“The NCDC report indicates that the positivity rate has fallen from 19.7% in June to 13.7% in August 2020, while number of states with testing laboratories increased from two to 32, including the FCT.”
According to the statement, the Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed reported to the council that the as of August 18, 2020 the balance on Excess Crude Account was $72,408,119.44; Stabilisation Fund Account was N44, 207, 377,110.34; and the Natural Resources Development Fund Account was N144, 047, 195, 020.54.
