By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives Press Corps has renewed calls for effective community-based policing, saying the proposed state police framework could strengthen security, deepen federalism and improve protection of communities across the country.
The Corps made the call at its 2nd Annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture held on Tuesday at the National Assembly Library Auditorium, Abuja, with stakeholders examining the implications of state police for Nigeria’s security architecture.
The lecture, titled, “The Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism,” was delivered by Nnadubem Moghalu, Secretary of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Planning and Research.
Moghalu’s presentation formed the centrepiece of the event, which brought together lawmakers, government officials, security stakeholders, media executives, civil society representatives and other participants to deliberate on the proposed framework and its potential impact on community policing and Nigeria’s federal structure.
Chairman of the House Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, said the annual lecture was designed to provide a platform for informed discussion of critical national issues while encouraging stronger engagement among the legislature, media, security agencies, civil society and the wider public.
Onadiran said the 2026 edition also featured the recognition of three Nigerians whose contributions, according to the Corps, align with the central issues of national security, community development, protection of national assets and institutional strengthening.
The Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, was honoured with the Legislative Legacy and Rural Development Icon Award, while the Founder and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, received the Award of Excellence in National Assets Protection.
The Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Hon. Henry Nwawuba, was presented with the Icon of Legislative Research Award for his contributions to legislative research, documentation and the preservation of institutional memory.
Onadiran said Tompolo’s recognition was informed by the role of Tantita Security Services in protecting critical national assets, particularly in the Niger Delta, and supporting efforts to combat oil theft and safeguard the nation’s economic resources.
He said Bago was recognised for his legislative background and commitment to rural development, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure and the expansion of economic opportunities for communities across Niger State.
According to him, Nwawuba’s transition from the House of Representatives to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund had also positioned him to contribute to the development of a stronger knowledge base for effective legislative research and institutional continuity.
The Press Corps chairman explained that the decision to honour personalities outside the immediate chambers of the National Assembly was deliberate, noting that their contributions reflected the broader objectives of the lecture.
He said, “This year, the Corps decided to look beyond the chambers to honour three exceptional Nigerians whose actions and contributions embody the very essence of the theme of the lecture. They have, in different capacities, protected communities and strengthened federalism.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, presented the awards on behalf of the Press Corps.
While Nwawuba personally received his award, Governor Bago was represented at the ceremony by the APC National Vice Chairman, North Central, Hon. Bawa Rijau.
Participants at the event commended the Press Corps for sustaining the annual lecture, describing it as an important platform for examining emerging national challenges and recognising individuals whose contributions support security, development and democratic institutions.
