The Federal Government said decentralising policing in the country is necessary in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris who spoke on Thursday when he received Chairman of Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd) on the courtesy visit, said President Bola Tinubu is determined to see the reform become a reality once the necessary legal framework is secured.
“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,” the Minister stated.
Alhaji Idris in a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, noted that the president has already appealed to the National Assembly to put the appropriate legislation in place.
He explained that strengthening the country’s internal security structure must go hand-in-hand with strengthening national communication systems, particularly in an era where crises are shaped not only by events but also by the rapid spread of information.
“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, especially during moments of national importance,” he said.
The Minister described the establishment of a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index by the centre as initiatives that align closely with his ministry’s core mandate, and assured the delegation that the Ministry would carefully study the report of the November 2025 National Symposium on Digital Innovation and Crisis Communication and explore areas where its recommendations can complement ongoing Federal Government reforms.
He further emphasised that 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.
Earlier in his remarks, Major General Olukolade (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the minister for his support and encouragement toward advancing crisis communication reforms in Nigeria.
“Your gesture added so much weight and the necessary authority and integrity to a gathering that brought together spokespersons, technology experts, security personnel, scholars and media professionals from across the country,” he said.
The Chairman noted that the symposium produced comprehensive and actionable recommendations to modernise Nigeria’s crisis communication system through stronger infrastructure, enhanced capacity, and inclusive governance.
He appealed for the minister’s endorsement of the proposed National Crisis Communication Hub and the performance index framework, which he described as critical to real-time monitoring, to coordinated responses to misinformation, and to strengthening institutional accountability.
