The Federal Government has affirmed that Nigeria is prepared for the establishment of State Police, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu determined to implement the long-debated reform once the necessary legal framework is enacted.
The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while receiving the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by Major General Chris Olukolade, in his office. Idris explained that decentralised policing has become necessary to address Nigeria’s evolving and complex security challenges. He noted that President Tinubu has urged the National Assembly to expedite legislation for State Police, describing the move as a historic shift in Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
Beyond policing, Idris emphasised that Nigeria’s internal security system must be complemented by robust communication frameworks, particularly in a digital era where crises are defined not only by events but by how information spreads. He warned that misinformation and uncoordinated communication could exacerbate national emergencies and highlighted digital innovation as key to timely, accurate, and coordinated crisis management.
Idris welcomed proposals from the CCC, including the creation of a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index, which could enhance real-time monitoring, coordinated messaging, and institutional accountability during crises. He assured that the Ministry would review the November 2025 National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication to implement actionable recommendations.
The minister also stressed responsible use of tools like artificial intelligence and social media, balancing freedom of expression with national interest to maintain credibility and public trust.
Major General Olukolade commended Idris for supporting crisis communication reforms and noted that the symposium’s recommendations focus on modernising Nigeria’s crisis management through improved infrastructure, capacity building, and inclusive governance. He urged endorsement of the communication hub and performance index to combat misinformation and strengthen coordinated national responses.
Idris reaffirmed the government’s openness to partnerships, stating that national security and effective communication require collaboration with credible civil society organisations, professional bodies, and inter-agency stakeholders.
