The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria is prepared for the establishment of State Police, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to implementing the reform once the necessary legal framework is in place.
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 given Nigeria’s increasingly complex security environment. 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 move as a significant transformation of Nigeria’s internal security framework.
Beyond policing reforms, Idris emphasised the urgent need to strengthen crisis communication systems, particularly in a digital age where information spreads rapidly and can shape public perception during emergencies. He warned that misinformation and poorly coordinated messaging could escalate national challenges.
The minister identified digital innovation as critical to ensuring timely, accurate, and coordinated responses during crises, especially at moments when maintaining public trust is essential.
While receiving proposals from the CCC, Idris expressed support for establishing a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index, noting that both initiatives could enhance real-time monitoring, improve coordinated messaging, and strengthen institutional accountability.
He also assured that the Ministry would review the report from the November 2025 National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication to extract recommendations aligned with ongoing federal reforms.
Idris cautioned that while artificial intelligence and social media platforms are powerful tools, their use must balance freedom of expression with national interest to preserve credibility and public confidence.
In his remarks, Olukolade commended the minister for supporting efforts to reform Nigeria’s crisis communication framework, noting that his participation in the November symposium enriched discussions among spokespersons, security experts, academics, and media practitioners.
He added that the symposium produced practical recommendations aimed at modernising Nigeria’s crisis communication architecture through improved infrastructure, capacity development, and inclusive governance, urging formal endorsement of the proposed initiatives.
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, emphasising that effective national security and communication require collaboration with credible civil society organisations and professional bodies.
