FG restates commitment to state police reform
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of state police, saying the reform will be implemented as soon as the required legal framework is in place.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to see the initiative materialise once the National Assembly enacts the necessary legislation.
Idris spoke on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by its Chairman, Major General Chris Olukolade (retd). According to the minister, decentralised policing has become necessary in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening national communication systems alongside internal security reforms, noting that in the digital age, crises are shaped not only by events but also by the rapid spread of information, making timely and coordinated communication critical.
Welcoming proposals by the CCC, Idris said the establishment of a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index would complement the ministry’s mandate. He added that the ministry would study recommendations from the November 2025 National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication to explore areas of collaboration.
On the responsible use of modern communication tools, 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.”
Major General Olukolade commended the minister for supporting efforts to reform crisis communication in Nigeria, noting that the symposium produced actionable recommendations aimed at modernising the country’s crisis communication framework through improved infrastructure, enhanced capacity and inclusive governance.
Idris also praised the CCC for fostering inter-agency collaboration, research, training and media monitoring, and reiterated the government’s willingness to work with credible civil society organisations and professional bodies to strengthen Nigeria’s communication architecture.
