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| Bola Tinubu photo |
ABUJA, Nigeria — In a decisive move to reallocate security resources, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strict directive requiring all ministers to obtain presidential clearance before being assigned police escorts.
A Non-Negotiable Directive
The order was delivered during the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday at the State House Council Chamber. President Tinubu emphasized that the ongoing redeployment of police officers from VIP and ministerial protection duties is “not negotiable,” urging full and immediate compliance from his cabinet.
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the Inspector-General of Police and get my clearance,” the President stated.
To ensure implementation, President Tinubu has tasked the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, with overseeing the directive.
Redirecting Police to Core Duties
President Tinubu clarified that the primary role of the Nigeria Police Force is to protect the lives and property of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. He asserted that guarding a select group of VIPs should not fall under this core mandate.
To fill the security gap for officials, the President announced that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will arrange for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to take over VIP protection roles.
“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he noted.
This redeployment is part of a broader strategy to better mobilize police forces to address the nation’s pressing security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
“We need all forces utilised... The entire structure will be reviewed to better address vulnerable citizens and communities,” President Tinubu said.
Linked Push for Ranching Reforms
During the same meeting, the President also urged accelerated implementation of livestock and ranching reforms to reduce deadly clashes between herders and farmers.
He directed the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, in his capacity as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), to sensitize state governors on the matter. Furthermore, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, was instructed to begin mobilizing efforts, focusing first on conflict-prone areas.
“We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable,” Tinubu stated, while reminding officials to respect the constitutional provision that land ownership resides with the states.
The President concluded that successful ranching initiatives are critical to salvaging conflict-ridden communities and protecting vulnerable populations.
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