…say security reform must move from talk to action
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called for firm legislative measures to establish a multi-level policing system in Nigeria, describing it as a crucial step towards tackling the country’s persistent security challenges. 
Speaking at a public hearing on the Private Intelligence and Investigation Council Bill, 2024, organised by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Abbas stressed that security reforms must now go beyond rhetoric.
According to him, “This is no longer the time for theory. It is time for decisive action”.
Represented by Rep. Muktar Shagaya, member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency of Kwara state, the Speaker noted that creating state police through constitutional amendment remains a practical and viable option that deserves serious national reflection.
He further highlighted the need to strengthen community policing as enshrined in the Police Act 2020, saying it should be made more responsive to local security realities.
Abbas maintained that a layered policing structure would bring law enforcement closer to the people and help address insecurity more effectively at the grassroots.
“The time has come for the debate on multi-level policing to move from theory to decisive legislative action. Creating state police through constitutional amendment remains a viable option that deserves serious consideration. However, beyond constitutional reform, we must also strengthen community policing to make it more effective and responsive to local realities”, he said.
Speaker Abbas reiterated the commitment of the House to reforms that will enhance public safety and strengthen Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
He stated that the National Assembly’s focus on security-related legislation, including the proposed Private Intelligence and Investigation Council Bill, underscores its determination to provide a legal framework that promotes accountability, professionalism, and collaboration among both public and private security actors.
The Speaker further explained that the Private Intelligence and Investigation Council Bill seeks to create a regulatory framework for private intelligence and investigation services, ensuring they operate ethically, responsibly, and in compliance with professional standards.
He said the bill aims to implement uniform practices that will enhance service quality, promote continuous training and capacity development, and encourage stronger cooperation between private and public security institutions.
He reaffirmed that the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in all legislative engagements.
The Chairman, House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Rep. Ahmad Satomi, said the proposed legislation to establish a Private Intelligence and Investigation Council will mark a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture through the regulation and professionalization of private intelligence operations.
Satomi described the bill as a forward-looking initiative that seeks to ensure accountability, professionalism, and ethical conduct within the country’s growing private intelligence and investigation industry.
According to him, the proposed Council will serve as a regulatory body responsible for standardizing industry practices, providing accreditation and certification, and promoting continuous training and collaboration between the private and public security sectors.
“This marks a significant step towards strengthening our national security framework and ensuring the professionalism of private intelligence and investigation services.
“The proposed bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework that ensures ethical conduct and accountability. If established, the Council will standardize practices, promote continuous training, and foster collaboration between private and public security sectors,” Satomi said.
He noted that the initiative comes at a time when Nigeria is confronted with a web of security challenges ranging from insurgency and banditry to cybercrime and kidnapping, stressing that innovative approaches are required to strengthen the country’s security infrastructure.
Citing recent data, Satomi said the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported over 51.89 million household crime incidents between May 2023 and April 2024, with kidnapping alone accounting for 2.23 million incidents and ₦2.23 trillion paid in ransoms during the same period.
He said these figures underscore the magnitude of the security threats confronting our nation and the need for all stakeholders, governmental and private, to work collaboratively. Security, as it is often said, is everyone’s business.
The lawmaker stressed that while the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies are commendable, the evolving nature of threats demands additional layers of support, regulation, and intelligence coordination. He said the bill aligns with the National Assembly’s legislative efforts to address security concerns through proactive, intelligence-driven reforms.
According to him, the benefits of the bill are extensive. Beyond establishing a council to accredit private intelligence and investigation services, it seeks to streamline compliance mechanisms, enforce ethical standards, and create partnerships between public and private security agencies for improved outcomes.
However, Satomi acknowledged that not all stakeholders fully agree on every provision of the proposed legislation. He disclosed that while many of the submissions received by the Committee were supportive, some expressed concerns regarding possible overlaps with existing laws and the mandates of established security institutions.
“For instancethere is a concern that upholding Section 1(3)(a–f) of the Bill as it stands may dilute the exclusive statutory responsibility of an agency in matters of security clearance and internal vetting. Another concern referenced Section 4(i) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, warning that the bill may create duplication, legal disputes, and confusion over authority”, he stated.
He noted that these differences reveal deeper institutional issues within Nigeria’s security ecosystem, particularly the long-standing challenge of poor inter-agency collaboration and inefficient intelligence sharing.
“The obvious disparities in the stance adopted by various security agencies on oversight of intelligence matters once more bring to the fore the problem of non-collaboration in intelligence sharing and utilization.
“This issue has hampered efficient delivery of security services, and this Bill may present us an opportunity to address that important aspect of our national security governance structure,” he noted
Satomi commended Speaker Abbas, and other members of the House for their support in prioritizing legislative measures that seek to modernize Nigeria’s security framework.
He therefore urged all participants and stakeholders at the hearing—including representatives of security agencies, civil society, and the media—to make meaningful contributions that would guide the Committee’s final report.
“We assure you that all contributions will be taken into consideration by this Committee. The discussions, observations, and submissions from this hearing will significantly shape the report that will be presented to the House for further legislative action”, he stated.
Satomi restated his belief that the passage of the bill will greatly enhance the integrity and effectiveness of private intelligence and investigation services in contributing to national security and public safety.
