President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establish state police in Nigeria as a measure to address insecurity, stating that the plan will not be postponed.
The announcement was made during an interfaith breaking of fast with state governors and senior officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The event brought together leaders to observe Ramadan and Lent.
The concept of state police has been a subject of public discussion in Nigeria. Calls for decentralised policing have grown amid ongoing security challenges across various parts of the country.
President Tinubu told the gathering that security is foundational to national prosperity and that his administration’s promise on establishing state police will be fulfilled.
He said the plan to create state police is not a political decision but a practical step to empower states with tools to protect their people.
The President said: “What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed. We will establish state police to curb insecurity.”
Tinubu highlighted that insecurity undermines economic growth and community wellbeing, noting that without security, business growth and peaceful daily life are hindered.
He also urged state governors to intensify efforts to support grassroots communities, emphasising that development and compassion should reach all Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s reaffirmation of the state police initiative signals continued federal engagement with state and national security reforms.
If pursued, the establishment of state police would require legal and administrative frameworks to define roles between state and federal security structures.
The focus on decentralised policing reflects ongoing concerns about improving local capacity to respond to banditry, terrorism, and other security threats in various regions of Nigeria.
