The Federal Government has indicated Nigeria’s preparedness for the formation of State Police, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dedicated to overseeing the reform as soon as the appropriate legal framework is put in place.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during an event in Abuja hosted for the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), which is chaired by Major General Chris Olukolade.
Idris highlighted that the need for decentralised policing has arisen due to the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment. He informed that President Tinubu has urged the National Assembly to expedite the legislation required for the establishment of State Police.
"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is keen on ensuring that we implement State Police as soon as feasible in this nation. The moment is indeed ripe for this change," the minister stated, referring to the initiative as a major overhaul of Nigeria’s internal security system.
In addition to addressing the security structure, Idris underlined the importance of enhancing crisis communication mechanisms, especially in an age where information sharing is instantaneous and can significantly influence public perception during crises.
"In today’s digital landscape, crises are no longer merely results of events, but of the information dissemination process," he noted, cautioning that misinformation and disorganized messaging could intensify national issues.
He pinpointed digital advancement as critical to facilitating prompt, precise, and coordinated responses amidst crises, particularly in situations where public trust is invaluable.
While reviewing proposals presented by the CCC, the minister expressed his endorsement for creating a National Crisis Communication Hub alongside a Crisis Communication Performance Index. He remarked that these initiatives could greatly improve real-time monitoring, enhance message coordination, and boost institutional responsibility.
Idris assured that the Ministry would evaluate the recommendations from the National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication held in November 2025 to incorporate relevant suggestions into ongoing federal reforms.
He warned, however, that while artificial intelligence and social media tools are significant assets, their application must balance free speech with national interests to uphold public trust and credibility.
Major General Olukolade, in his remarks, praised the minister for his support towards reforming Nigeria’s crisis communication structure. He acknowledged that Idris’s involvement in the November symposium contributed substantially to discussions amongst media practitioners, academics, spokespersons, and security specialists.
Olukolade stated that the symposium produced actionable recommendations aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s crisis communication framework through enhanced infrastructure, capacity building, and inclusive governance. He urged the minister to officially support the proposed National Crisis Communication Hub and performance index as vital mechanisms for combating misinformation and bolstering coordinated responses.
In response, Idris commended the CCC’s initiatives in fostering inter-agency collaboration, research, training, and media surveillance, including its monthly Strategic Communication Inter-Agency Policy Committee meetings conducted with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s willingness to collaborate, emphasizing that effective national security and communication necessitate partnerships with recognized civil society organizations and professional agencies.
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