Nigeria ready for State Police – FG

The Federal Government has stated that Nigeria is prepared for the establishment of State Police, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu committed to implementing the reform once the required legal framework is enacted.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Thursday in Abuja while hosting the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by its Chairman, Major General Chris Olukolade.

Idris stressed that decentralised policing has become necessary in view of Nigeria’s increasingly complex security landscape. According to him, President Tinubu has already urged the National Assembly to fast-track legislation that would pave the way for State Police.

“It is the desire of President Bola Ahmed 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, describing the initiative as a significant transformation of Nigeria’s internal security framework.

Beyond the security structure, Idris emphasised the importance of strengthening crisis communication systems, particularly in a digital era where information spreads instantly and can shape public perception during emergencies.

“In today’s digital age, crises are no longer only defined by events, but by how information spreads,” he said, warning that misinformation and poorly coordinated messaging can escalate national challenges.

He identified digital innovation as key to ensuring timely, accurate, and coordinated responses during crises, especially at moments when maintaining public trust is critical.

While receiving proposals from the CCC, the minister expressed support for the establishment of a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index. He noted that both initiatives could enhance real-time monitoring, improve coordinated messaging, and strengthen institutional accountability.

Idris assured that the Ministry would study the report of the November 2025 National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication to extract recommendations that align with ongoing federal reforms.

He further cautioned that although artificial intelligence and social media platforms are powerful tools, their use must strike a balance between freedom of expression and national interest in order to preserve credibility and public confidence.

Major General Olukolade, in his remarks, commended the minister for backing efforts to reform Nigeria’s crisis communication framework. He noted that Idris’s participation in the November symposium added weight to discussions among spokespersons, security experts, academics, and media practitioners.

Olukolade said the symposium generated practical recommendations aimed at modernising Nigeria’s crisis communication architecture through improved infrastructure, capacity development, and inclusive governance. He urged the minister to formally endorse the proposed National Crisis Communication Hub and performance index as critical instruments for countering misinformation and strengthening coordinated national responses.

Responding, Idris praised the CCC’s efforts in promoting inter-agency collaboration, research, training, and media monitoring, including its monthly Strategic Communication Inter-Agency Policy Committee meetings held in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s openness to partnerships, noting that effective national security and communication require collaboration with credible civil society organisations and professional bodies.