The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria is ready for state police and that President Bola Tinubu is determined to see the reform implemented as soon as the necessary legislation is put in place.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the declaration on Thursday, February 26, during a courtesy visit by the Centre for Crisis Communication, led by its Chairman, Major General Chris Olukolade (retd.), at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Idris said the president had already called on the National Assembly to enact the enabling laws needed to pave the way for decentralised policing.
“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,” Idris said.
The minister’s remarks reinforced the president’s own statements earlier in the week.
Tinubu had on Wednesday urged the leadership of the Senate to pursue constitutional amendments to provide a legal framework for state police, while on Monday he reiterated his commitment to establishing state police to address rising security threats.
Beyond security reforms, Idris stressed the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s communication systems, particularly in an era where information spreads rapidly and can shape public perception during crises.
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“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, especially during moments of national importance,” Idris said.
He welcomed proposals from the Centre for Crisis Communication, including the establishment of a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index, saying they aligned with the ministry’s mandate.
The minister said his team would study the recommendations of the November 2025 National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication to determine how they could complement ongoing federal reforms.
Idris also spoke about the responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and social media, warning that while these tools are essential, they must be deployed in a manner that balances freedom of expression with national interest and public trust.
He commended the Centre for its work in promoting inter-agency collaboration, research, training, and media monitoring, including its monthly Strategic Communication Inter-Agency Policy Committee meetings conducted with the Office of the National Security Adviser.