President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed calls for far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture and governance system, insisting that the establishment of state police and the full implementation of local government autonomy must become a practical reality rather than remain theoretical ideals.
The President made this position clear while addressing governors, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other key stakeholders at the 14th meeting of the APC National Caucus held in Abuja on Thursday. His remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with persistent security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and communal violence across several states.
Tinubu acknowledged that the clamour for state police has intensified nationwide due to the worsening security situation and the overstretching of federal security agencies. He stressed that Nigeria must begin to adopt more pragmatic solutions that reflect the country’s size, population, and diversity.
According to the President, relying solely on centrally controlled security forces is no longer sufficient to effectively respond to localized security threats. He argued that state police would enable quicker response times, deeper community intelligence, and improved accountability, as security personnel would be more familiar with the terrain, culture, and peculiar challenges of their states.
“The calls for state police are not political rhetoric,” Tinubu reportedly told party leaders. “They are responses to real fears and real challenges faced by Nigerians every day.”
In a related development, Tinubu directed the Minister of Interior to collaborate with the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to replace police personnel withdrawn from certain assignments with trained NSCDC officers. This move, according to the Presidency, is part of a broader strategy to optimize available security resources and ensure that policing gaps do not worsen insecurity.
Beyond security, President Tinubu placed strong emphasis on the need to fully implement local government autonomy, in line with the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the financial independence of local councils.
The President reminded governors that the judgment alone is not enough if it is not reflected in actual governance practices. He stressed that allocations meant for local governments must go directly to them without interference, diversion, or undue control by state governments.
“It is not enough for the Supreme Court to pass judgment,” Tinubu said. “What matters is implementation. Local government allocations must reach the councils directly so they can function effectively and deliver dividends of democracy at the grassroots.”
Tinubu argued that autonomous and well-funded local governments would strengthen governance at the community level, improve service delivery, and reduce pressure on state and federal governments. He added that empowering local councils would also promote accountability and transparency, as citizens would be able to more easily monitor how funds are spent within their communities.
The President appealed directly to APC governors and other governors across party lines to support both reforms, describing them as national imperatives rather than partisan agendas. He emphasized that the success of state police and local government autonomy depends largely on the cooperation and political will of state governments.
Tinubu urged governors to look beyond short-term political interests and focus on long-term national stability and development. He noted that insecurity and weak grassroots governance ultimately affect everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
“These reforms are about the survival and progress of Nigeria,” he reportedly said. “They require courage, sacrifice, and a shared commitment to the greater good.”
In addition to security and governance reforms, President Tinubu also used the occasion to advocate greater inclusion of women in the APC National Caucus. He stressed the importance of gender balance in party leadership and decision-making processes, noting that women play critical roles in political mobilization, governance, and national development.
Tinubu called on party leaders to deliberately create more opportunities for women within the APC structure, arguing that inclusive leadership strengthens democracy and enhances policy outcomes.
“A party that truly wants to lead Nigeria must reflect the diversity of its people,” he said, emphasizing that women should not be relegated to the sidelines of political power.
The President’s renewed push for state police and local government autonomy comes amid growing public expectations for decisive action to address insecurity and improve governance. Many Nigerians have long argued that centralized policing has failed to adequately secure lives and property, while weak and financially dependent local governments have struggled to meet basic community needs.
Analysts note that while Tinubu’s stance signals strong political intent, translating these proposals into reality will require constitutional amendments, broad political consensus, and sustained commitment from both federal and state actors.
Nevertheless, Tinubu’s remarks at the APC National Caucus have reignited national debate on restructuring Nigeria’s security framework and strengthening grassroots governance. Supporters see the proposals as bold and timely, while critics caution that safeguards must be put in place to prevent abuse, politicization, or misuse of state-controlled security forces.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex security and governance challenges, the coming months are expected to test the willingness of political leaders to move from rhetoric to action in implementing reforms that many believe are long overdue.
