The House Press Corps is organizing its second annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture and Awards, with a focus on the imperative of state police for community security and federalism strengthening. The event, scheduled for October 2, 2026, will feature a debate led by prominent Nigerians, including Niger State governor Umar Bago and former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu.
The lecture, themed “the Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism,” will have Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, and Nnadubem Moghalu in attendance. Moghalu, the Secretary of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, will serve as the guest lecturer. His presentation is expected to address critical issues related to state police implementation.
The event coincides with efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow interested states to establish their own police forces. The State Police Bill, passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, is currently before state Houses of Assembly for consideration. If successful, it will be sent for presidential assent, marking a significant shift in Nigeria's policing structure.
The chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, announced that the discourse will cover various aspects of state police, including funding, recruitment, training, operational independence, accountability, oversight, and safeguards against abuse. These topics are crucial for effective implementation and ensuring that state police forces serve their communities efficiently.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, will serve as the Chief Host and is expected to share the 10th House's position on state police and other security-related legislation. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu will also attend the event, highlighting the importance of the topic to the National Assembly.
The lecture and debate aim to foster informed discussion and decision-making on state police, a critical aspect of Nigeria's security architecture. By engaging eminent Nigerians and key stakeholders, the House Press Corps seeks to contribute to a more secure and effective policing system that aligns with the country's federal structure.
Ultimately, the outcome of this event and the ongoing legislative process will determine the future of state police in Nigeria. As the country considers this significant reform, the input of various stakeholders, including governors, lawmakers, and security experts, will be essential in shaping a policing system that meets the needs of diverse communities.
Key points
- The event features a debate on state police led by prominent Nigerians, including Umar Bago and Ndudi Elumelu.
- The State Police Bill is currently before state Houses of Assembly for consideration.
- The lecture will address critical issues related to state police implementation, including funding, recruitment, and operational independence.
