To address Nigeria’s escalating and complex security concerns, the Constitution Review Committee of the House of Representatives is scheduled to hold a crucial legislative dialogue today, focused on Nigeria’s security structure, in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Themed “Nigeria’s Peace and Security: The Constitutional Imperatives,” the event will take place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre within the ONSA complex in Abuja. It is envisioned as a major consultative forum that will shape future legislative reforms geared towards improving the country’s security landscape.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, the dialogue will bring together a broad spectrum of key stakeholders in Nigeria’s security ecosystem.
Expected attendees include the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
The session will also welcome the participation of constitutional and legal scholars, public policy analysts, representatives of civil society organisations, lawmakers, and traditional leaders from regions particularly affected by insecurity. This diverse representation aims to foster a rich and inclusive dialogue on the way forward.
At the heart of the conversation will be House Bill 617 (HB-617)—a legislative proposal advocating for the establishment of state police and a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s law enforcement architecture.
The bill is part of the wider constitutional review agenda being driven by the House to decentralize the country’s security framework and enhance responsiveness at the grassroots level.
Presiding over the event will be Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu. The programme will feature goodwill messages from the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and a special keynote address is expected to be delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Legislative Dialogue underscores the House’s commitment to fostering sustainable peace and ensuring that constitutional reforms are aligned with the security realities of the country. By convening relevant stakeholders under one roof, the House hopes to chart a more coordinated and effective approach to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.