The House of Representatives Press Corps has called for the implementation of state police, citing its potential to strengthen security and improve protection of communities across Nigeria. This call was made during the 2nd Annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture held at the National Assembly Library Auditorium in Abuja. The event brought together stakeholders to examine the implications of state police on Nigeria's security architecture and federal structure.
The lecture, titled "The Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism," was delivered by Nnadubem Moghalu, Secretary of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill. Moghalu's presentation was the centerpiece of the event, which featured lawmakers, government officials, security stakeholders, and civil society representatives. The discussion aimed to explore the proposed framework and its potential impact on community policing and Nigeria's federal structure.
The Chairman of the House Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, stated that the annual lecture was designed to provide a platform for informed discussion of critical national issues. He noted that the 2026 edition featured the recognition of three Nigerians whose contributions align with national security, community development, and institutional strengthening. The awardees included Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, Founder and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, and Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Hon. Henry Nwawuba.
Governor Bago was honored with the Legislative Legacy and Rural Development Icon Award for his commitment to rural development, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure. High Chief Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, received the Award of Excellence in National Assets Protection for his role in protecting critical national assets in the Niger Delta. Hon. Nwawuba was presented with the Icon of Legislative Research Award for his contributions to legislative research and documentation.
Onadiran explained that the decision to honor personalities outside the National Assembly was deliberate, reflecting the broader objectives of the lecture. He noted that their contributions embodied the theme of the lecture, protecting communities and strengthening federalism. The awardees were recognized for their efforts in protecting national assets, combating oil theft, and supporting rural development.
Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., presented the awards on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. Participants at the event commended the Press Corps for sustaining the annual lecture, describing it as an important platform for examining emerging national challenges and recognizing individuals whose contributions support security and development.
The House Press Corps' advocacy for state police is seen as a move to address Nigeria's security challenges and promote community-based policing. The proposed framework aims to deepen federalism and improve protection of communities across the country. The event concluded with a call for stronger engagement among the legislature, media, security agencies, and civil society to address critical national issues.
Key points
- The House of Representatives Press Corps advocates for the implementation of state police to enhance community security and deepen federalism in Nigeria.
- The 2nd Annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture featured the recognition of three Nigerians for their contributions to national security, community development, and institutional strengthening.
- The proposed state police framework aims to address Nigeria's security challenges and promote community-based policing.
