The Federal Government says Nigeria is edging closer to a fundamental change in how security is managed, with plans for state police now tied to the final stages of constitutional and legislative action at the National Assembly.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to decentralised policing, describing it as a necessary governance reform rather than a temporary security response.
According to the minister, the policy direction places greater responsibility on states to participate directly in law enforcement, a move officials say is designed to improve accountability, local knowledge, and faster decision-making in tackling crime.
Idris explained that while the Federal Government has signalled readiness, the transition depends on the National Assembly completing constitutional amendments and passing enabling laws that will define powers, funding structures, and oversight mechanisms for state police commands.
He made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the Centre for Crisis Communication, led by its chairman, Chris Olukolade, during a courtesy visit to the ministry, where broader institutional reforms were also discussed.
Beyond policing, the minister linked the reform to governance in the digital era, noting that security policies now operate alongside information management, where misinformation and delayed communication can undermine public confidence in government decisions.
He said proposals such as a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index could strengthen coordination among institutions, ensuring that policy shifts like state policing are clearly communicated and properly monitored.
The Federal Government, he added, will review recommendations from the November 2025 national symposium on digital innovation to determine how they align with ongoing reforms and protect public trust while respecting freedom of expression.
Officials say the renewed push follows recent appeals by the President to the 10th Senate to fast-track constitutional changes, a step that could redefine Nigeria’s security architecture and reshape federal–state relations once state police becomes operational.
