President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step toward bringing security operations closer to the people.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Centre for Crisis Communication, led by its Chairman, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd).
According to the minister, the President is committed to implementing state policing once the required legal framework is established. He noted that decentralised policing has become essential in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and called on the National Assembly to enact the necessary legislation.
Idris emphasised that strengthening internal security must go hand in hand with improving national communication systems, particularly in the digital age where information spreads rapidly and can shape public perception during crises.
He welcomed proposals from the Centre, including the creation of a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index, describing them as aligned with the ministry’s mandate. The minister assured the delegation that the recommendations from the November 2025 National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication would be carefully reviewed to complement ongoing Federal Government reforms.
He also stressed the importance of deploying digital tools such as artificial intelligence and social media responsibly, balancing freedom of expression with national interest and public trust.
In his remarks, Olukolade commended the minister for supporting efforts to modernise Nigeria’s crisis communication framework. He said the 2025 symposium produced actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening infrastructure, enhancing capacity, and promoting inclusive governance in crisis communication nationwide.
