President Bola Tinubu has renewed his advocacy for the creation of state police, revealing that he has assured the United States and European partners of his commitment to implementing decentralized policing in Nigeria.
Tinubu said state police “must happen” as part of broader efforts to address insecurity and strengthen governance at the subnational level. He spoke on Thursday at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
The President also stressed the need for the effective implementation of local government autonomy, urging governors to stop withholding funds meant for council administrations.
“I had a very long discussion with US and European partners, and I assured them that we will definitely pass a state police bill to improve security,” Tinubu said. “I told them I am confident because I have a party that will make it happen.”
His comments come amid rising security challenges across the country and renewed calls for decentralized policing, alongside the push to implement the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.
Tinubu urged APC leaders to demonstrate leadership through reconciliation and inclusiveness at the grassroots, stressing that governors and party stakeholders must take responsibility for developments within their states and councils.
“There is no autonomy without funding. Give local governments their money directly. That is compliance with the Supreme Court,” he said.
The President also appealed for increased inclusion of women in party leadership, while offering condolences to Bayelsa State over the death of its Deputy Governor.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his remarks, warned that sustaining the APC’s dominance would be more difficult than attaining it, as he projected confidence ahead of the 2027 general election.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, however, lamented what he described as “organized and orchestrated insecurity,” urging party leaders to remain united in confronting terrorism, banditry and insurgency.