President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration will work closely with the National Assembly to remove political and bureaucratic barriers preventing the creation of state police in Nigeria.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday during a meeting with governors from the North East led by Babagana Zulum, the President stressed that the time had come for a clear and collective plan towards community-based policing tailored to the needs of different regions.
“I have been looking at the security situation more carefully. I have seen the Civilian JTF respond to challenges with creative ways of protecting communities, and that provoked my thinking about state police again,” Tinubu said.
“Politics apart, we can sit with the National Assembly leadership to find a critical path forward, ensuring that political influence does not undermine the purpose of state police. It has to be indigenous to the community and provide additional safety and effectiveness. We must look at it together.”
The President admitted that political concerns around the idea cannot be ignored but insisted they must not derail urgent reforms needed to secure the country. He said the proposed structure would be insulated from partisanship and designed solely to improve safety at community level.
Tinubu also said his government remained focused on national priorities, adding that partisan politics or early campaign activities would not distract him. “In the political environment we are being drawn into early political activities from our rival political parties, but whichever way it is, I am not detracted. I am solidly focused, laser focused on what is ahead,” he said.
He pointed to improved security in the Northeast, the return of displaced persons, rising school enrolment, and housing projects as evidence that collaborative governance works. He assured the governors of continued federal support while urging them to sustain development and security efforts in their states.
Governor Zulum, speaking on behalf of the North East Governors Forum, welcomed the President’s commitment and urged him to prioritise key infrastructure projects and energy development in the region to further strengthen security and economic opportunities.
