NIGERIA: Tinubu Reaffirms Plan for State Police, Pledges to ‘Rescue’ Nigeria

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security through the establishment of state police, declaring that his government remains determined to fulfil promises made to Nigerians.

The president made the remarks on Monday evening in Abuja while hosting state governors at an interfaith breaking of fast attended by Muslims observing Ramadan and Christians marking Lent at the State House.

Speaking during the gathering, Tinubu emphasised unity, compassion and collective responsibility as essential tools for national development.

The president said: “In this sacred season for two of the major faiths in our dear country, we are reminded that beyond politics and policy, we are first a people of conscience.”

He commended governors for outreach programmes carried out during the religious season but urged them to intensify grassroots engagement.

“But I also challenged them to do more to reach the young man who feels forgotten, lift the woman who carries her family on tired shoulders, and touch the communities at the grassroots where hope sometimes flickers,” he added.

The president stressed that governance must transcend religious, ethnic and social divides.

Tinubu stated: “Development must not recognise religion. Compassion must not recognise tribe. Opportunity must not recognise status.”

Reaffirming his broader governance agenda, the president declared; “I am determined to rescue this country. And as long as we work together in delivering hope to our citizens, the best is yet to come for Nigeria. What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed.”

Tinubu described security as the foundation for economic growth, noting that agriculture, businesses and families cannot thrive without safety.

“Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace. We will establish state police to curb insecurity,” he said.

According to him, the proposed state policing structure represents a practical reform rather than a political initiative.

He further added: “This is not about politics. It is about practicality. It is about empowering states with the tools to protect their people while strengthening our national framework.”

Speaking on behalf of the governors, Hope Uzodimma expressed support for the president’s reforms, assuring continued collaboration between state governments and the federal administration.

“We have appreciated the new reform policies you have given to state governments to operate, the support and the interventions, the ingenuity you have brought to bear, and the new tax reform you ha

ve introduced,” Uzodimma said.