FG SAYS NIGERIA READY FOR STATE POLICE, AWAITS LEGAL FRAMEWORK
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of state police, declaring that Nigeria is prepared for decentralised policing once the necessary legal framework is in place.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Bola Tinubu is determined to ensure the reform becomes a reality as soon as enabling legislation is enacted.
Idris spoke on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Centre for Crisis Communication, led by its Chairman, Chris Olukolade (retd.). He described decentralised policing as critical to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
“It is the desire of President Bola Tinubu to ensure that we have state police as soon as it is practicable in this country. The time has indeed come for that,” the minister said, noting that the President has appealed to the National Assembly to enact the required legislation.
He stressed that strengthening national communication systems must go hand in hand with security reforms, especially in a digital era where information spreads rapidly and influences public perception during crises.
“In today’s digital age, crises are no longer only defined by events, but also by how information spreads as fast as it does. Digital innovation is therefore central to timely, accurate, and coordinated communication,” Idris stated.
The minister welcomed proposals by the Centre, including the establishment of a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index, describing them as consistent with the ministry’s mandate. He assured that recommendations from the November 2025 National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication would be studied to complement ongoing federal reforms.
Idris also emphasised the responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and social media, urging a balance between freedom of expression, national interest and public trust.
Earlier, Olukolade commended the minister’s support for crisis communication reforms and said the November symposium produced actionable recommendations aimed at modernising Nigeria’s crisis communication architecture through improved infrastructure, capacity building and inclusive governance.
He appealed for endorsement of the proposed communication hub and performance index framework to enhance real-time monitoring, coordinated responses to misinformation and institutional accountability.
The development follows recent reiteration by President Tinubu of his commitment to establishing state police. The President had urged the leadership of the 10th Senate to pursue constitutional amendments to provide the legal backing for decentralised policing.
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