By George Mgbeleke

The Senate on Wednesday at emergency plenary resumed consideration of the Bill on State Police.

Recall that the Red Chamber received President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Executive Bill on Tuesday, considered and passed it to first reading.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio thereafter referred the Bill to committee on constitutional amendment for further legislative consideration and asked to bring back the Bll on Wednesday for further consideration at the committee of the whole.

Consequently,in a move to accommodate decentralised police structure in the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate has adopted clearly defined measures to constrain and prohibit state governors from using such powers for partisan, ethnic, religious, sectional, or personal purposes.

The upper chamber also pointed out that when eventually amended, the new constitution will authorise the National Assembly to prescribe national minimum standards relating to recruitment, training, vetting, promotions, discipline, use of force, firearms, complaints procedures, accountability, data management, and professional conduct.

Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele reeled out these measures while leading debate on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026 on Wednesday

Canvassing support for the bill, Bamidele first highlighted the objectives of the bill on the establishment of state police submitted to the National Assembly by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

He, also Vice Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, pointed out that the proposal mainly sought to balance local policing autonomy with national cohesion, accountability with operational effectiveness and federal oversight with state responsibility.

He said the bill is intended to retain the Nigeria Police Force for federal policing duties while providing for the establishment of state police services in states that choose to adopt them.

Bamidele further broke down the details of the proposed police decentralised structure, noting that the state police would be responsible only for enforcing state laws, maintaining public safety and public order, preventing and detecting crimes within their jurisdiction, protecting lives and property, and other local policing responsibility.

On the responsibilities of the federal police, Bamidele noted that the federal police would be in charge of protecting federal institutions, counter-terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, border security, arms trafficking, interstate criminal activities, and other national security matters.”

The Senate leader, more specifically, clarified circumstances in which the federal police could intervene in security situations or conditions at the sub-national level

He explained that the interventionary powers of the federal police could only be activated when there “is outright breakdown of public order at a specific subnational entity; when a state police are incapable of functioning; when there is serious violation of fundamental rights; when there is an established record of electoral intimidation and when national security is under threat.”

Bamidele added that such intervention could only come after the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces authorised it in writing, saying it would be limited in scope and duration, subject to Senate oversight and open to judicial review.

He further explained that the bill generally sought “to balance local policing autonomy with national cohesion, accountability with operational effectiveness and federal oversight with state responsibility.

“The bill provides robust safeguards against abuse, preserves federal authority where necessary, protects constitutional rights and creates a modern policing framework capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

Seconding the bill, Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe said that he was among those who were against the establishment of state Police at the initial stage.

However, Abaribe pointed out that the prevailing security situation across the federation necessitated the establishment of state police in order to tackle security problems.

Also speaking in support of the bill, former Sokoto State Governor and Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Waziri Tambuwal observed that he had remained consistent on the need for the establishment of state police .

The Chief Chip of the Senate, Senator Tahir Monguno further solicited broader support for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the establishment of state police in order to help respond decisively to security challenges with the subnational territories.

Having passed through second reading, the Red Chamber subjected the Bill to Committee of the whole where it went through clause by clause consideration and finally scaled through third reading and was passed.

By George Mgbeleke

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday set the stage for what he described as a “profound national moment” as the Senate commenced deliberations on the State Police Establishment Bill, a proposed constitutional amendment that could alter Nigeria’s security architecture for the first time since 1960.

Addressing senators ahead of the debate, Akpabio said the matter touches directly on the peace, order, security, and good governance of the nation. He noted that citizens across the country continue to look to leaders and institutions for innovative, effective, and sustainable solutions to guarantee the safety of lives and properties.

The bill, which Akpabio confirmed was forwarded as an executive bill, seeks to provide for the establishment of state police. It will be formally presented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment. Akpabio disclosed that the proposal had earlier been circulated to senators.

He reminded the chamber that the Senate would be judged not only by the laws it passes but also by its willingness to confront difficult national questions with courage, patriotism, and foresight. He described the day’s deliberation as one of such moments.

Whatever individual perspectives may be on the deal, Akpabio insisted, senators must approach the debate with compromise guided solely by national interest, constitutional principles, and the collective welfare of Nigerians.

He called on senators to draw from their diverse experiences, regional perspectives, and collective wisdom to ensure the outcome of deliberations and the vote scheduled for Tuesday meets the aspirations of all Nigerians and secures the entirety of the country.

Akpabio stressed that the decision has the potential to shape the future of policing, public safety, and national security for generations. “This has never been done since independence in 1960,” he said, urging the chamber to proceed with seriousness, diligence, and responsibility.

The Senate President commended the Constitutional Amendment Committee for working for over two years to bring the bill to the floor. He also praised senators for their numbers, dedication, and for sacrificing vacation time to attend, calling it proof of the bill’s importance.

He described the presence of senators as an exhibition of patriotism and sense of duty, praying that God would bless them and take them back safely if they were on vacation.

Akpabio closed by charging the chamber to ensure that deliberations advance national unity, strengthen democracy, and contribute meaningfully to a safer and more secure Nigeria.

The Senate is expected to continue debate before putting the bill to a vote as they resume plenary. If passed, the law would mark the most significant restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system in over six decades.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has officially concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, with the last flight carrying Zamfara State pilgrims expected to land in Nigeria today, June 23, 2026.

The completion of the return leg, according to a statement by the management, marks the end of the 2026 Hajj operations, which involved airlifting Nigerian pilgrims to and from the holy land.

NAHCON said 12 Nigerian pilgrims are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals in Saudi Arabia for various health conditions.

“The Commission is closely monitoring their situations and has made arrangements to facilitate their safe return to Nigeria as soon as they are discharged from the hospitals,” it stated.

NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima for their support, as well as State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed tour operators, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security personnel, the media and Nigerian pilgrims.

The Commission acknowledged that challenges were encountered during the exercise, but said valuable lessons have been drawn to improve future Hajj operations.

In line with its commitment to early planning, NAHCON said it has formally commenced preparations for the 1448H/2027 Hajj season.

This was conveyed to all Hajj managers in Nigeria through a circular dated June 15, 2026, titled “Commencement of Preparations for 1448H/2027 Hajj Season,” signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali, for the Chairman/CEO.

Consequently, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions and licensed private tour operators have been directed to begin preparatory activities immediately.

They are to comply strictly with the official preparation document for the 1448H/2027 Hajj season received from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.