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Last week was extremely significant in the contemporary history of Nigeria. The cheers resulting from the announcement of Executive Order 9, aimed at curbing opacity in the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and instilling transparency and accountability, had barely died down when President Bola Tinubu made two more major decisions in quick succession.
The President appointed Olatunji Disu, then Deputy Inspector General of Police, as the new Inspector General of Police. On Monday 2 March 2026, the Police Council formally ratified Disu’s appointment in line with the constitution. And just a day after the Council ratified Disu’s appointment, President Tinubu also elevated the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Dr Taiwo Oyedele, to the position of Assistant Minister of Finance. She replaced Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who President Tinubu assigned to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in the same capacity.
Both appointments have been generally well received by security and public finance stakeholders, indeed by many Nigerians. Disu’s choice is important because it would help reinvigorate the police force in the fight against crime. Oyedele’s appointment is equally crucial as it will further strengthen government transparency and accountability.
In addition to being part of ongoing initiatives to recalibrate and strengthen the government machinery, the two appointments will help promote efficient service delivery.
To assume that both men are round pegs in round holes is an understatement, given their pedigree. Both have distinguished themselves, as evidenced by their record of service over the years.
Disu’s choice signals a strong commitment to professional policing and operational effectiveness. Disu is an excellent operational officer who has held many critical positions within the police hierarchy. He shone brightly as Officer-in-Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Ondo and Oyo states from 2011 to 2014; Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Kidnapping Rivers State, 2014-2015; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Rivers State, 2014-2015; and commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos from 2015 to 2021.
He had been Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, at different times. His last two assignments before his appointment as IG were as Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, and as AIG, Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Headquarters, Abuja.
All these were operational assignments and Disu discharged the responsibilities commendably. The roles gave him practical insights into modern policing and intelligence-led operations. With three master’s degrees in Criminology and Security, Public Administration and Entrepreneurship, Disu is well equipped for the office.
Therefore, the President’s charge to the new IG was unambiguous: restore peace and strengthen security nationwide. While decorating Disu, the President said: “I have made this decision for you to shoulder this responsibility. I know your record. I have seen the dedication you showed while you were in Lagos when I was governor.”
He also asked the new IG to rebuild public trust in the ability of the police to do their job in collaboration with other security forces.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at all levels, and ensure that the safety of life and property remains your top priority. It is a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word; you have my full support.”
By appointing a high caliber officer like Disu to lead the police force, the President has undoubtedly given greater impetus to the fight against crime. President Tinubu is firmly committed to ensuring that the state police is firmly established in Nigeria, creating a path for community policing. Disu’s appointment is a nod to this effect. Most crimes are committed at the local level, where state police can benefit from local intelligence. This is the strength of community policing.
Contrary to the rather lukewarm attitude of the immediate past police chief, Kayode Egbetokun, towards the state police (he even publicly opposed the move), Disu is a staunch supporter. A few days after being appointed IG, he set up an eight-member implementation committee for the state police.
However, unless the National Assembly amends the 1999 Constitution to provide for state police, little can be achieved. The federal parliament must amend the constitution, in particular by altering section 214, which provides for a single police force for the country – the Nigeria Police – and establish a framework for state policing. Remarkably, Disu has already demonstrated his commitment to bringing about that much-needed change. Its initial steps are reassuring indicators of the future in terms of security and other related issues for the force and the nation under Disu’s leadership. The thread between security and economy is unmistakable. A safe environment is an enabling factor for investment and the general prosperity of the area.
Like Disu, what recommended Oyedele for the ministerial position is his record of service, integrity and competence, as demonstrated particularly in his handling of tax reforms. Oyedele was not only passionate about the reforms, but he was also sincere in his advocacy and clear-sighted in communicating the changes.
Importantly, he has a solid background in economics and accounting.
Oyedele brings with him over two decades of professional experience. This includes 22 years at PwC, where he rose to become a tax policy partner and tax leader in Africa. The new Minister of State is also a professor at Babcock University and a visiting scientist at the Lagos Business School. Thus, he brings a rare blend of private sector expertise and public policy experience to the government’s financial architecture.
Taken together, these appointments highlight a broader governance philosophy that prioritises merit, competence and strategic fit. By placing an experienced crime fighter at the helm of the police force and an experienced tax reformer at the finance ministry, President Tinubu is clearly aligning leadership capacity with national priorities.
But these skills and reputations place enormous weight on public expectations of both men. This means that they should neither let their guard down nor lower the standards of excellence and good performance for which they are renowned. They must not lose strength in fulfilling their responsibilities. This is the time to gird yourself further and find the energy to do even more. The criminal elements lurking in some parts of the country need to be completely tamed.
Furthermore, greater prudence and insight should be demonstrated in the governance process, particularly in the implementation of the budget and the allocation of financial resources. It is only through superlative performance in their new positions that they can justify the confidence reposed in them by President Tinubu and meet the expectations of Nigerians.
*Rahman is a Senior Assistant on Media and Special Duties to President Tinubu.
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