UK-Backed SPRiNG Programme Backs NASS Security Roundtable on State Policing, Reforms

The UK Government-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme has welcomed the National Assembly Security Roundtable, describing it as a critical platform for advancing state policing, strengthening institutional accountability and addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

The roundtable, scheduled as part of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, will bring together top security chiefs, state governors and relevant National Assembly committees to assess the country’s security situation and identify legislative and budgetary interventions needed to improve national security.

The event, holding at the Conference Hall of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, is also expected to advance discussions on state policing as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.

Key participants include the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector-General of Police, and the Ministers of Defence, Interior and Police Affairs.

Governors of Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau and Benue—the four focal states of the SPRiNG Programme—as well as governors of Kwara, Zamfara, Niger and Borno states, are also expected to provide strategic perspectives on regional security challenges.

Speaking ahead of the roundtable, the Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja, Ms. Cynthia Rowe, said sustainable security depends on strong and accountable institutions that respond to the needs of citizens.

“The UK Government remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s legislative frameworks to ensure that security interventions are transparent, well-resourced and firmly rooted in respect for human rights. This roundtable is a commendable step towards codifying reforms that will protect vulnerable communities and foster long-term stability,” she said.

The SPRiNG Programme noted that the dialogue aligns with its security sector reform objectives by addressing issues such as banditry, kidnapping and farmer-herder conflicts.

The discussions will also focus on strengthening inter-agency collaboration, deploying technology and innovation in security operations, and promoting community engagement in addressing insecurity.

The Team Leader of the SPRiNG Programme, Ukoha Ukiwo, said effective peacebuilding efforts must be supported by strong legal and institutional frameworks.

“Our work across our state compacts has continually highlighted that operational peacebuilding must be backed by robust legal frameworks. The focus of this roundtable on state policing, security funding and accountability is incredibly timely. By bridging the gap between grassroots realities and legislative action, we can ensure that informal and formal security architectures work cohesively to build formidable resilience in communities across Nigeria,” he said.

According to the organisers, the roundtable is expected to produce a communique outlining key security priorities and recommendations for implementing state policing and other security initiatives.

The SPRiNG Programme said it remains committed to supporting follow-up engagements to ensure that resolutions reached at the dialogue are effectively implemented.