Following the just concluded Joint Retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held in Lagos, the National Assembly has inaugurated two key Ad-hoc Committees to drive the next phase of consultations and drafting on critical constitutional amendment areas – State Policing and State Creation/Local Government Expansion.
The move marks the continuation of the legislative process that began during the retreat, where lawmakers and experts identified priority reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s governance framework, enhance federal balance, and improve internal security.
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North) has been named a member of the State Policing Committee, reflecting his firm stance on decentralizing the nation’s security architecture to ensure more responsive and community based policing systems.
Senator Ned Nwoko has consistently advocated for a constitutional framework that empowers communities to tackle security challenges peculiar to their regions.
The State Policing Committee (Senate) comprise Senator Abdul Ningi, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (supported by Senator Adamu Aliero), Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Ned Nwoko, Senator Abba Moro as members. The Consultants are Prof. Yadudu, James P., and Olaniya.
While the House of Representatives Team on State Policing includes, Hon. Chinedu Moghalu, Hon. Jonathan Gaza, Hon. Jaha Ahmed, Hon. Adefarati, Hon. Sauda, Hon. Chinas. The Consultants are Mr. Clement, Maji Waziri, and Yakubu.
Similarly, the Committee on State Creation and Local Government Expansion was also constituted to advance deliberations on the ongoing demand for new states, a major highlight of the Lagos retreat, which saw robust arguments for regional equity, particularly the creation of an additional state in the South East.
The Senate Committee on State Creation and LGA Expansion comprises of Senator Sadiq Umar Ashiru, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Dandutse, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Solomon Adeola, Senator Mohammed Monguno (Chairman). Consultants are Haman, Agbo, John, and Prof. Emmanuel.
The House of Representatives Committee includes, Hon. Abdullahi Halims, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (Chairman), Hon. Miriam Onuoha, Hon. Zainab, Hon. Ali Madaki and Hon. Isiaka
Consultants are Mr. Clement Nwankwo, Cathleen, Ladi while, two lawmakers, Senator Osita Izunaso and Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. George, are expected to lead an engagement session with key stakeholders from the South-East in Abuja, as part of broader consultations to harmonize regional inputs into the final constitutional amendment proposals.
Senator Ned Nwoko reaffirmed his commitment to contributing meaningfully to the committee’s work, particularly in ensuring that the proposed state policing framework aligns with democratic principles, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
