The House of Representatives' Press Corps will host its second annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture and Awards in Abuja on October 6, 2026. The event will focus on the establishment of state police in Nigeria, a significant aspect of the country's security and constitutional reform process. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Founder and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd. High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, and Secretary of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill Mr. Nnabudum Moghalu will lead the discussion.
The proposed reform aims to strengthen security by creating a more decentralized policing system capable of responding effectively to security threats and challenges peculiar to individual communities. The Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish State Police Services is currently before the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration. Moghalu will deliver the lecture titled: State Police, Community Security and the Future of Federalism in Nigeria, examining the proposed policing framework and its implications for community security, federalism, and the relationship between state and federal security institutions.
The discussion will also touch on critical implementation issues, including funding, recruitment, training, operational independence, accountability, oversight, and safeguards against abuse. The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen will serve as Chief Host and is expected to speak on the position of the 10th House on state police and other security-related legislation before the National Assembly. The Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu is also expected to attend the event.
The lecture is expected to attract lawmakers, policymakers, security professionals, civil society organizations, academics, development partners, media executives, and other stakeholders. This will provide an opportunity for a broad exchange of views on the proposed reform. Governor Bago and Tompolo are expected to bring practical perspectives to the conversation, particularly on state-level governance, community security, and the protection of critical national assets.
Other dignitaries expected to participate include the Clerk to the National Assembly Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs Hon. Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council Comrade Grace Ike, and representatives of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and development partners.
The event will also feature the presentation of the House of Representatives Press Corps Distinguished Parliamentarian Awards to two prominent Nigerians for their contributions to national development, security, and public service. Governor Bago will be honored for his contributions to rural development and public leadership, while Tompolo will receive the Award of Excellence in National Assets Protection.
Chairman of the House of Representatives' Press Corps Mr. Gboyega Onadiran said the annual lecture was designed to provide a platform for informed and constructive discussion on issues of national importance. The event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the National Assembly Library Auditorium, Abuja, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Key points
- The debate will focus on the establishment of state police in Nigeria and its implications for community security and federalism.
- The event will feature a lecture by Moghalu and a discussion with Governor Bago, Tompolo, and Elumelu.
- The House of Representatives' Press Corps will present Distinguished Parliamentarian Awards to Governor Bago and Tompolo.
