Citizenship News
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated the Federal Government’s strong commitment to the establishment of State Police, declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to see the reform become a reality once the necessary legal framework is secured.
Rabiu Ibrahim, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation conveyed this in a statement today, Thursday February 26.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by its Chairman, Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister stressed that decentralised policing has 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,” the Minister stated, noting that the President has already appealed to the National Assembly to put the appropriate legislation in place.
The Minister 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 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 of Information and National Orientation’s core mandate.
He 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, referring to the National Symposium held in November 2025.
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.
The Minister commended the Centre for its role in fostering inter-agency collaboration, research, training and media monitoring, including its monthly Strategic Communication Inter-Agency Policy Committee meetings conducted in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He reiterated that the government cannot work alone and welcomed constructive engagement with credible civil society organisations and professional bodies to strengthen Nigeria’s communication architecture.
In attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Suleiman Haruna, PhD, the Special Assistant, Administration, to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Dr Sunday Baba, FNIPR, Rear Admiral Aminu Almu, Director Admin, Centre for Crisis Communication, Commodore Kabir Aliyu, Executive Secretary, Centre for Crisis Communication, Alh. Yushua’u Shuaib, founder of PRNIgeriger, and other top management staff.
