President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently presiding over a hybrid joint session of the Council of State and the Police Council, convened to deliberate on pressing national security challenges and ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s policing architecture.
The meeting, taking place at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, brings together serving and former top government officials, including ex-Heads of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), who joined the session virtually.
Among those physically present are former Chief Justices of Nigeria Alfa Belgore, Walter Onnoghen, Tanko Muhammad, and Kayode Ariwoola. Also attending are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
A cross-section of governors from across the federation are also in attendance, including Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo).
Others include Alex Otti (Abia), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abba Yusuf (Kano), and Dikko Radda (Katsina). Deputy governors in attendance include Bayo Lawal (Oyo), Kola Adewusi (Osun), and Josephine Piyo (Plateau), among others.
According to State House sources, deliberations are centered on assessing national security dynamics and reviewing strategic reforms designed to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement institutions in tackling evolving security threats.
This session marks the second Council of State meeting presided over by President Tinubu since assuming office, following the first held on August 12, 2024.
Established under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Council of State serves as a key advisory body to the President on critical national issues, including policy formulation, security coordination, and the appointment of top government officials.
Deliberations at today’s meeting are expected to produce far-reaching recommendations on internal security coordination, police welfare, and institutional accountability, in alignment with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
