Today, June 16, 2025, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Constitution Review, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), will convene a significant Legislative Dialogue on National Security Architecture in Abuja, Nigeria. The event, themed “Nigeria’s Peace and Security: The Constitutional Imperatives,” aims to address critical gaps in the nation’s security framework through constitutional amendments and robust legislative reforms. This dialogue marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its national security structure amid evolving threats and challenges.
The dialogue will bring together key stakeholders, including lawmakers, security experts, government officials, and representatives from civil society organizations, to deliberate on the constitutional imperatives for achieving sustainable peace and security. Discussions will focus on reviewing the existing security architecture, identifying areas for reform, and proposing amendments to the 1999 Constitution to align with modern security demands. The collaboration with ONSA underscores the urgency of integrating expert insights from the nation’s top security advisory body to ensure comprehensive and actionable outcomes.
A primary objective of the dialogue is to explore the establishment of state police as a potential solution to Nigeria’s decentralized security challenges. Proponents argue that state police could enhance local responsiveness to security threats, given the diverse socio-cultural and geographical realities across Nigeria’s 36 states. However, concerns about potential abuse of power, funding constraints, and the need for clear regulatory frameworks will also be addressed to ensure a balanced approach to this contentious issue.
The event will also examine the roles and responsibilities of existing security agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other paramilitary bodies, within the constitutional framework. Participants will evaluate whether the current centralized structure adequately addresses contemporary threats, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts. Recommendations from the dialogue are expected to inform the ongoing constitutional review process, potentially leading to amendments that redefine the operational scope of these agencies.
The partnership between the House Committee and ONSA highlights the government’s commitment to a multi-stakeholder approach in tackling security challenges. ONSA, led by the National Security Adviser, will provide technical expertise and strategic insights to guide the discussions, ensuring that proposed reforms are both practical and aligned with national security priorities. This collaboration is seen as a step toward fostering synergy between legislative and executive arms in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing issues.
The dialogue comes at a time when Nigeria faces multifaceted security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and separatist agitations in the Southeast. These issues have stretched the capacity of existing security institutions, prompting calls for a restructured approach that empowers states and local communities while maintaining national cohesion. The outcomes of today’s discussions are expected to provide a roadmap for legislative interventions that could reshape Nigeria’s security landscape.
Public participation and transparency are also key components of the dialogue, with organizers emphasizing the inclusion of diverse perspectives to ensure that proposed reforms reflect the needs and aspirations of Nigerians. Civil society groups and community leaders have been invited to contribute, highlighting the importance of grassroots input in crafting a security framework that is both effective and inclusive. The House Committee has assured that the dialogue’s proceedings will be documented and shared with the public to foster accountability.
The Legislative Dialogue on National Security Architecture is part of a broader constitutional review process initiated by the 10th National Assembly to address longstanding structural and governance challenges in Nigeria. Previous dialogues organized by the Committee have tackled issues such as fiscal federalism, judicial reforms, and local government autonomy, reflecting a comprehensive approach to constitutional amendments. Today’s event is expected to build on these efforts by prioritizing security as a cornerstone of national development.
Stakeholders anticipate that the dialogue will produce actionable recommendations, including draft bills for constitutional amendments, which will be subjected to further legislative scrutiny and public hearings. The House Committee has committed to ensuring that the outcomes are integrated into the broader constitutional review framework, with a timeline for presenting proposed amendments to the National Assembly. This process is seen as critical to addressing the systemic issues undermining Nigeria’s security architecture.
