“Nigeria now ripe for state police” – Federal Govt insists

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has declared that the Federal Government is committed to the establishment of state police once the necessary legal framework is secured.

Idris spoke on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) led by Chris Olukolade, its chairman.

“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,” he said.

He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to the national assembly to enact the required legislation to enable the reform.

Idris said decentralised policing has become imperative in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

He said strengthening internal security must go hand-in-hand with improving national communication systems in the digital age.

“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,” he said.

The minister welcomed the centre’s proposals, including the establishment of a national crisis communication hub and a crisis communication performance index, describing them as aligned with the ministry’s mandate.

He said the ministry would study the report of the November 2025 national symposium on digital innovation and crisis communication and explore areas where its recommendations can complement ongoing federal government reforms.

Idris said while artificial intelligence, social media and other digital tools are indispensable in modern communication, they must be deployed responsibly, honestly and patriotically, balancing freedom of expression with national interest and public trust.

Olukolade thanked the minister for supporting crisis communication reforms and for backing the November 2025 symposium.

“Your gesture added so much weight and the necessary authority and integrity to a gathering that brought together spokespersons, technology experts, security personnel, scholars and media professionals from across the country,” he said.

He said the symposium produced actionable recommendations to modernise Nigeria’s crisis communication system through stronger infrastructure, enhanced capacity and inclusive governance.

Olukolade urged the minister to endorse the proposed national crisis communication hub and performance index framework.

He said the initiatives are critical to real-time monitoring, coordinated responses to misinformation and strengthening institutional accountability.