Tinubu upbeat on state police, insists on LG autonomy compliance

President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the proposed creation of state police will become a reality, saying it is key to strengthening security across the country.

The President spoke on Thursday night while addressing governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s caucus meeting held at the State House, Abuja.

Tinubu disclosed that he had recently discussed the idea of state policing with leaders from the United States and Europe, stressing that Nigeria is committed to reforms that will improve internal security.

“I had a very long discussion with US and European leaders, and I told them clearly that we will pass state police to improve security,” he said. “They asked if I was confident, and I told them yes. I have a party to rely on, and we will make it happen. We will not fail.”

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to fully implement the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, describing direct funding as non-negotiable.

“To me, local government autonomy must be effective,” Tinubu said. “There is no autonomy without funding. Local governments must receive their allocations directly. That is the truth and that is compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.”

He urged APC governors to show flexibility in governance and remain actively involved in developments at all levels of administration within their states.

“You are in leadership positions that demand tolerance, engagement and flexibility,” he told the governors. “You must be involved in what is happening in your states, right down to the local government level.”

Tinubu stressed that genuine independence for local councils can only be achieved through direct funding and responsible leadership, noting that governors must take their roles seriously to deepen democracy and improve service delivery.