Tinubu Assures Foreign Partners State Police Will Be Implemented

President Bola Tinubu has renewed his commitment to the establishment of state police, telling United States and European partners that Nigeria will move decisively toward decentralised policing as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.

The President disclosed this on Thursday while addressing the 14th National Caucus meeting of the ruling party at the State House in Abuja. He said the creation of state police was no longer optional, describing it as a necessary step to strengthen internal security and governance at subnational levels.

Tinubu said he had held extensive discussions with foreign partners, assuring them that the political will and party backing required to pass a state police bill were firmly in place. He expressed confidence that the ruling party would deliver the legislative support needed to see the reform through.

He also used the occasion to press governors to respect local government autonomy, insisting that councils cannot function effectively if funds meant for them are withheld at state level. According to him, the recent Supreme Court ruling on direct allocation to local governments must be implemented in practice, not just in principle.

The President argued that grassroots governance would remain weak without proper funding, warning that autonomy without financial independence amounts to little more than symbolism. He urged party leaders to take responsibility for stability and development in their respective states and local councils.

Tinubu further called for unity, reconciliation and flexibility within the party, stressing that leadership must be inclusive and responsive to grassroots concerns. He also appealed for greater participation of women in party leadership and decision-making.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his remarks, said sustaining political dominance would be more challenging than attaining it, urging party leaders to manage internal cohesion carefully ahead of future elections. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, meanwhile, described Nigeria’s security challenges as organised and deliberate, calling for unity and resolve in confronting criminality.