By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria is poised to establish State Police once the legal framework is in place, the Federal Government has reiterated.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized the country’s commitment during a courtesy visit by the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
“Decentralised policing has become imperative in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. It is the desire of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that we have State Police as soon as it is practicable,” Minister Idris said, noting that the President has appealed to the National Assembly to provide the necessary legislation.
Crisis Communication at the Core of National Security
The Minister highlighted that strengthening internal security must go hand-in-hand with robust national communication systems, especially in the digital era where crises spread rapidly.
“Crises today are no longer defined only by events, but also by how information spreads. Digital innovation is therefore central to timely, accurate, and coordinated communication,” he added.
Minister Idris welcomed proposals from the CCC, including the creation of a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index, describing them as initiatives aligned with the Ministry’s mandate.
CCC Symposium Recommendations and Collaboration
Major General Olukolade (Rtd) praised the Minister for supporting the November 2025 National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication, which brought together technology experts, security personnel, scholars, media professionals, and government officials.
He highlighted that the symposium produced actionable recommendations to modernize Nigeria’s crisis communication system, including stronger infrastructure, enhanced capacity, and inclusive governance.
The CCC is seeking the Ministry’s endorsement for the proposed hub and performance index to enable real-time monitoring, coordinated response to misinformation, and improved institutional accountability.
Why This Matters
Nigeria’s security challenges from insurgency to misinformation require both effective policing and robust communication.
State Police could enhance local security response, while digital tools and crisis communication frameworks would ensure timely, credible information reaches citizens, fostering trust and coordinated action.
The meeting included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, Rear Admiral Aminu Almu, Commodore Kabir Aliyu, Alh. Yushua’u Shuaib (founder of PRNigeria), and other top officials.
