The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said President Bola Tinubu supports the establishment of state police to bring policing closer to the people.

Idris made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja when a delegation from the Centre for Crisis Communication, led by its Chairman, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade (Rtd.), paid him a courtesy visit.

According to the minister, the President is determined to see the reform materialise once the necessary legal framework is secured.

He explained that decentralised policing had 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 in this country. The time has indeed come for that,” he said.

Idris added that the President had already appealed to the National Assembly to enact the appropriate legislation.

The minister stressed that strengthening the country’s internal security architecture must go hand in hand with enhancing national communication systems, particularly in an era when crises are shaped not only by events but also by the rapid spread of information.

“In today’s digital age, crises are no longer defined only by events, but also by how quickly information spreads.

“Digital innovation is therefore central to timely, accurate, and coordinated communication, especially during moments of national importance,” he said.

He welcomed the Centre’s proposals, including the establishment of a National Crisis Communication Hub and a Crisis Communication Performance Index, describing them as initiatives that align closely with the Ministry’s core mandate.

Idris 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 could 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, Olukolade expressed appreciation to the minister for his support towards advancing crisis communication reforms in Nigeria.

“Your gesture added significant weight, authority, and integrity to a gathering that brought together spokespersons, technology experts, security personnel, scholars, and media professionals from across the country,” he said.

Olukolade noted that the 2025 National 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, coordinated responses to misinformation, and strengthened institutional accountability.