We’ll Establish State Police to Curb Insecurity – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to establish state police across Nigeria, declaring that decentralised policing is central to his administration’s strategy to tackle insecurity and strengthen public safety nationwide.

Speaking during an interfaith gathering with governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President said security reform would no longer be delayed. 

He stressed that empowering states to safeguard lives and property was a practical response to persistent threats confronting communities.

“Security is the foundation of prosperity,” he said. “Without safety, agriculture cannot thrive, investments cannot grow, and families cannot live in peace. 

"What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed. We will establish state police to curb insecurity.”

He clarified that the proposal is not politically driven but anchored on governance reform. 

According to him, states must be equipped with institutional capacity to complement federal security agencies while maintaining national cohesion.

Beyond security, the President called for policies that prioritise the poor and vulnerable. 

He urged both Muslim and Christian leaders to reflect the values of Ramadan and Lent by advancing inclusive development at the grassroots.

“This season reminds us of discipline, sacrifice and compassion,” he said. “Development must not recognise religion, and opportunity must not recognise status.”

Moreover, he encouraged governors to intensify youth-focused programmes and expand economic opportunities in rural communities. 

He noted that tackling unemployment and poverty remains a parallel priority alongside security reform.

President Tinubu also commended state leaders for collaborative efforts in stabilising the economy, insisting that recent reforms are beginning to yield results. 

“We are emerging from uncertainty,” he stated, adding that unity among federal and state authorities would accelerate national recovery.

In his remarks, Hope Uzodimma, who spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, described the convergence of Ramadan and Lent as symbolic. 

He said the rare overlap offers a reminder that governance should rise above religious and ethnic divisions.

Uzodimma praised the President’s leadership style, noting improved cooperation between the federal government and the states. 

“This period calls us to support the less privileged and strengthen national unity,” he said.

The proposed creation of state police has long been debated in Nigeria’s security architecture. 

However, Tinubu’s renewed commitment signals a decisive shift toward restructuring internal security management as part of broader governance reforms.

As discussions advance, attention will turn to constitutional amendments and legislative backing required to operationalise state-controlled policing across the federation.