NASS Update: State Police, N34tn Waivers and More from the House of Reps

It was a busy week at the National Assembly. Lawmakers went back to discussing state police after President Bola Tinubu made a new request. They also focused on checking public finances. The House of Representatives Open Week highlighted reforms on governance, gender inclusion, youth participation, and improving the business environment.

Tinubu Revives State Police Discussion

Security reform took center stage after President Bola Tinubu officially asked the House of Representatives to look at the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026. In a letter dated June 15 and sent to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the president urged lawmakers to speed up the constitutional amendment. He called state police a key part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security system.

The proposal aims to change the 1999 Constitution to create state police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force. After this request, the House withdrew its earlier approval of a different state police proposal. This allows the executive bill to go through the complete constitutional amendment process, which includes public hearings across the country. The House had looked at similar proposals before through its Constitution Review Committee, but none went through.

Reps Investigate Unpaid Revenues, Demand Accountability

The House Committee on Public Accounts also stepped up its review of public finances. They directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) to submit detailed records of unpaid revenues believed to be owed to the federal government. This includes money owed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and other revenue agencies.

During the hearing, lawmakers expressed worry over many government-owned businesses not sending their required operating surpluses. Officials from the OAGF revealed that the CBN reportedly owes around N5.3 trillion in unpaid operating surplus, despite many recovery efforts. The committee questioned the Accountant-General’s Office about claims that billions of naira were taken from agency accounts, like the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), without timely refunds.

Not satisfied with the answers, the committee directed the OAGF to provide complete records of all unpaid remittances, withdrawals, refunds, and balances for statutory funds belonging to ministries, departments, and agencies currently under investigation.

Open Week Focuses on Transparency, Inclusion, and Reforms

The House of Representatives also held its annual Open Week in Abuja. This three-day event brought together lawmakers, civil groups, development partners, the media, and citizens to improve transparency, accountability, and public involvement in the legislative process. The event included talks on legislative oversight, democratic governance, women’s political representation, youth participation, and economic reforms.

Former Speaker Yakubu Dogara called for stronger collaboration between the National Assembly and civil society groups. He said effective partnerships would improve legislative oversight and ensure public funds benefit Nigerians. At another session, the Speaker’s wife, Fatima Abbas, urged lawmakers to pass the Constitution Alteration Bill that seeks to reserve special seats for women in the National Assembly. She said this proposal is key to strengthening inclusive governance and deepening democracy.

Similarly, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, pointed out that women hold only about four percent of seats in the National Assembly. She noted this is one of the lowest levels of female representation in Africa. She argued that recent party primaries showed ongoing structural barriers preventing women from winning elections and hoped lawmakers would follow through on their public commitment to gender inclusion with real action.

The Open Week also included a Youth Town Hall where the House encouraged young Nigerians to get more involved in shaping the country’s democratic future. They urged greater participation in the 2027 general elections.

Finance Committee Seeks Details on ₦34 Trillion Import Duty Waivers

The House Committee on Finance asked the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to provide a detailed breakdown of nearly ₦34 trillion in import duty waivers given in 2025. Committee Chairman James Faleke stated that lawmakers do not oppose granting waivers. But they want the process to be clear and bring real economic benefits.

He instructed the Customs Service to provide information on all beneficiaries, the legal basis for each waiver, and the goals the concessions aim to achieve. This request is part of the committee’s broader efforts to improve fiscal oversight and ensure tax incentives align with the country's economic priorities.