President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the establishment of state police and the effective implementation of local government autonomy, insisting that both reforms are crucial to addressing Nigeria’s security and governance challenges.

Speaking during a meeting with state governors in Abuja, President Tinubu said the country can no longer rely solely on a centralised policing structure, especially in the face of rising insecurity across several states. He noted that properly regulated state police would enhance intelligence gathering, improve response time, and strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies.

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The President also stressed that local government autonomy must move beyond policy declarations to practical enforcement. According to him, financially and administratively independent local councils are better positioned to deliver grassroots development and reduce pressure on state and federal governments.

Tinubu called on governors to work closely with the Federal Government to address constitutional, legal and operational concerns surrounding state police, assuring them that safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse and political misuse.

Several governors at the meeting reportedly welcomed the President’s stance but urged broad consultations, clear funding frameworks, and strong oversight mechanisms to ensure the success of both reforms.

The renewed push comes amid growing public debate on restructuring, security decentralisation, and the role of local governments in national development.