Tinubu Reaffirms Plan to Establish State Police, Says Campaign Promises Will Not Be Delayed

 Tinubu Reaffirms Plan to Establish State Police, Says Campaign Promises Will Not Be Delayed

February 24, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing state police as a key strategy to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity, insisting that the promises he made during the 2023 election campaign will be fulfilled without delay.

The President made this declaration on Monday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while hosting state governors to an interfaith breaking of fast held in observance of Ramadan and Lent.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu described security as the foundation of national development, stressing that economic growth, agriculture, and family life cannot thrive in an unsafe environment.

“What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed,” the President said. “Security is the bedrock of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace.”

Tinubu stated that his government is determined to establish state police to strengthen local security efforts, noting that the move is driven by practicality rather than politics. According to him, empowering states to protect their residents will complement the national security framework.

The issue of state policing has gained renewed attention amid persistent attacks by bandits, kidnappers, and other armed groups across several parts of the country. Critics of the current centralised policing system argue that governors, though designated as chief security officers of their states, lack the authority needed to respond swiftly to security threats.

The President also urged governors to intensify grassroots engagement, particularly during the ongoing religious season, calling for compassion and unity across religious and ethnic lines.

“This sacred season reminds us that beyond politics and policy, we are first a people of conscience,” Tinubu said. He encouraged leaders to reach out to vulnerable groups, including youths facing exclusion and women burdened by economic hardship.

Tinubu further expressed confidence that Nigeria can overcome its security challenges if federal and state governments work together, adding that his administration remains committed to rescuing the country and restoring public safety.

The President acknowledged that establishing state police would require constitutional amendments, which must be approved by the National Assembly and endorsed by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly. While past efforts at restructuring policing have stalled over concerns of political misuse, Tinubu maintained that reform is necessary.

“We must be bold enough to fix what is not working,” he said. “Nigeria will be safer. Nigeria will be stronger.”