Tinubu Presides Over First 2026 FEC, Swears in Disu as 23rd IGP
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday presided over the first meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2026, using the session to formally swear in Olatunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police (IGP) alongside newly appointed commissioners of key federal commissions.
The Federal Executive Council, the highest policy-making body of the executive arm of government, convened at the State House, Abuja, after two earlier postponements.
The meeting, which began at about 2 p.m., was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the cabinet, and other senior officials.
Disu Sworn in as 23rd IGP
The highlight of the meeting was the swearing-in of Disu as the 23rd IGP, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force. The ceremony was conducted shortly before the commencement of the FEC deliberations.
Disu, who has built a reputation as a seasoned officer with extensive operational and administrative experience, takes over at a time when security management, police reforms, and electoral preparedness are at the forefront of national discourse.
Before his elevation, Disu served in several strategic positions within the Nigeria Police Force. He was Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he oversaw high-profile security operations in Abuja.
He also previously headed the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), a unit tasked with combating kidnapping and organised crime across the country.
In terms of education, Disu holds a degree in Public Administration and has attended multiple professional and executive courses, including training at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
He has also participated in international law enforcement programmes focused on counter-terrorism, intelligence-led policing, and crisis management.
His career trajectory reflects over three decades of policing experience, spanning investigations, operations, intelligence gathering, and strategic command responsibilities.
Focus on State Police and Professional Conduct
Speaking with State House correspondents after taking the oath of office, Disu emphasised that security agencies were closely monitoring both domestic and international developments that could have implications for Nigeria.
He reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a reform whose time has come.
“State police have come to stay,” he said, noting that the Nigeria Police would play an active role in shaping its implementation to ensure synergy rather than rivalry between federal and state-level policing structures.
According to him, a committee has already been set up within the force to review modalities from the institutional perspective of the Nigeria Police.
He stressed that the reform should not be viewed as a threat to existing officers but as a partnership designed to strengthen internal security architecture.
The new IGP also pledged to handle potential protests and civil demonstrations professionally, warning against lawlessness while reaffirming citizens’ rights under the law. He said officers had been instructed to remain disciplined and avoid taking the law into their hands.
Welfare as a Strategic Priority
Disu underscored the importance of officer welfare, describing policing as an inherently demanding profession that requires strong institutional support.
Recalling his time as Commissioner of Police in the FCT, he revealed that the force lost 140 officers within a single year during his tenure, a reflection of the risks associated with the job.
“Our jobs are very difficult,” he noted, adding that officers often spend extended periods away from their families due to operational commitments.
He expressed optimism that the Tinubu administration would support efforts to improve welfare packages, housing, insurance coverage, and operational resources for personnel.
Other Appointments at FEC
Beyond the swearing-in of the IGP, President Tinubu also administered oaths of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The RMAFC plays a pivotal role in advising on revenue allocation among the three tiers of government and reviewing remuneration packages for political and public office holders.
Meanwhile, the FCSC oversees recruitment, promotion, and disciplinary matters within the federal civil service.
Senior government officials present at the session included George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser; and Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Agenda for 2026
Sources indicated that the FEC meeting is expected to deliberate on preparations for the 2027 general elections, economic management strategies, and national security concerns.
As the first FEC session of 2026, the meeting signals the administration’s policy direction for the year, particularly in areas of governance reforms, fiscal management, and security sector restructuring.
With Disu now formally sworn in, attention will shift to how his leadership shapes the operational and reform trajectory of the Nigeria Police Force amid evolving security challenges.
