The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution, in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is set to host a high-level legislative dialogue today, focusing on strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework through constitutional reforms.
The event, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, is themed “Nigeria’s Peace and Security: The Constitutional Imperatives.” It forms a critical part of the ongoing constitutional review efforts by the House, particularly in reforming the nation’s security and policing structures through legislative interventions.
According to a press statement issued by the House spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., via the official X handle shortly before the event, the dialogue will bring together top security officials, lawmakers, legal and policy experts, civil society organisations, and community leaders, especially from border and conflict-affected areas.
Among the key figures expected at the dialogue are National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa; Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Director-General of the Department of State Services Oluwatosin Ajayi; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
The session will be presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, is slated to deliver a goodwill message, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will present the keynote address.
One of the major highlights of the dialogue is the consideration of House Bill 617, which seeks to establish state police and overhaul the constitutional provisions governing law enforcement in Nigeria.
Rep. Rotimi Jr. explained that the forum aims to produce “comprehensive recommendations on the proposed bills to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.” He noted that the dialogue will also foster “a collaborative framework for inter-agency cooperation in addressing security challenges” and help shape “a roadmap for enhancing border security and regional stability through active community engagement.”
