By Chiamaka Livingstone.
The unfolding debate over the establishment of State Police in Nigeria is set to begin in Abuja on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
As the debate begins during the House of Representatives Press Corps Second Annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture and Awards at the National Assembly, members of the Corps will interface with leading voices in politics, legislation, security and governance.
The event comes at a significant point in Nigeria’s security and constitutional reform process, with the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish State Police Services which is now before the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration.
The proposed reform is aimed at strengthening security by creating a more decentralised policing system capable of responding more effectively to security threats and challenges peculiar to individual communities.
The gathering will feature the Niger State Governor, Farmer 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. Nnadubem Moghalu.
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, Rt. 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 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 honoured for his contributions to rural development and public leadership, while Tompolo will receive the Award of Excellence in National Assets Protection in recognition of his contribution to the protection of Nigeria’s critical national assets.
