POST-CONSTITUTION REVIEW RETREAT: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SETS UP TWO AD-HOC COMMITTEES, SENATOR NED NWOKO TO SERVE ON STATE POLICING TEAM

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) comprises the following members:

Senator Abdul Ningi

Senator Francis Fadahunsi

Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (supported by Senator Adamu Aliero)

Senator Osita Izunaso

Senator Ned Nwoko

Senator Abba Moro

Consultants: Prof. Yadudu, James P., and Olaniya.

The House of Representatives Team on State Policing includes:

Hon. Chinedu Moghalu

Hon. Jonathan Gaza

Hon. Jaha Ahmed

Hon. Adefarati

Hon. Sauda

Hon. Chinas

Consultants: 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:

Senator Sadiq Umar Ashiru

Senator Abdulaziz Musa Dandutse

Senator Victor Umeh

Senator Seriake Dickson

Senator Solomon Adeola

Senator Mohammed Monguno (Chairman)

Consultants: 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

Hon. Isiaka

Consultants: Mr. Clement Nwankwo, Cathleen, Ladi, and Yusuf.

Meanwhile, 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.