The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing State Police, describing the reform as both necessary and inevitable to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by its Chairman, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to ensure the establishment of State Police once the required legal framework is in place.
“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,” Idris stated, noting that the President has appealed to the National Assembly to enact the necessary legislation.
The Minister emphasised that decentralised policing is critical to strengthening internal security and improving response to local threats across the country. He added that security reforms must be supported by robust communication systems, especially in the digital era where misinformation and rapid information flow can influence crisis outcomes.
“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,” he said.
Idris also welcomed proposals by the Centre, including the creation of a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index. He said the initiatives align with the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and pledged that the government would review recommendations from the November 2025 National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication.
He stressed that emerging tools such as artificial intelligence and social media must be used responsibly to strengthen national communication while maintaining public trust and safeguarding national interest.
Earlier, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd) commended the Minister for supporting crisis communication reforms and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, including media professionals, security agencies, and technology experts.
He said the symposium produced practical recommendations aimed at modernising Nigeria’s crisis communication infrastructure through improved capacity, stronger governance, and enhanced coordination.
The Minister further praised the Centre’s efforts in promoting inter-agency collaboration through research, training, and strategic media monitoring, noting that government partnerships with credible civil society organisations are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s communication architecture.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry and the Centre for Crisis Communication, including Permanent Secretary Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam and other top management staff.