The National Assembly of Nigeria is set to resume plenary sessions with key national issues on the agenda. The proposed establishment of state police and the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State are expected to dominate proceedings. The lawmakers will also revisit ongoing constitutional and electoral reforms, while insecurity and other pressing national issues will form part of the legislative agenda.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, has stated that lawmakers will focus on key national issues, including insecurity and broader economic challenges. The constitutional amendment process, particularly the proposed state police, will receive attention. The National Assembly had transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to establish State Police Services, to the 36 state Houses of Assembly on September 16.
The National Assembly has clarified that the State Police Bill is the only constitutional amendment proposal so far transmitted to the state legislatures. The legislature stated that the remaining Constitution Alteration Bills will be transmitted after they have been passed in identical form by both chambers. The decision to prioritize the State Police Bill was in response to widespread concerns over security and policing in the country.
The deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State will also come under legislative scrutiny. President Bola Tinubu has directed a probe into the incident, and a National Assembly source has stated that both chambers are expected to deliberate on it. The incident occurred on September 17, 2026, and the Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced the suspension of officers allegedly involved in the incident and the constitution of the independent committee. The NSCDC has detained 21 personnel in connection with the deaths and later arrested three additional personnel, bringing the number in custody to 24. The Corps has also ordered its flag to fly at half-mast across its formations for three days in honor of the deceased.
The National Assembly's resumption comes as lawmakers face renewed pressure to address insecurity, strengthen policing, and ensure accountability in the management of national affairs. The proposed state police legislation and the investigation into the Niger miners' deaths are expected to feature prominently in the early proceedings of both chambers.
The National Assembly's priorities on resumption include revisiting the constitutional amendments, particularly the proposed state police, and addressing key national issues. The lawmakers will work to expand on the state police bill and look into it, with the goal of strengthening security and policing in the country.
Key points
- The National Assembly will prioritize the proposed state police legislation and the investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
- The lawmakers will also revisit ongoing constitutional and electoral reforms, while addressing insecurity and other pressing national issues.
- The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, seeking to establish State Police Services, to the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
