Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sought amendments to the proposed State Police Bill currently before the National Assembly, signalling his administration’s commitment to refining plans for the creation of state police across Nigeria.

The President’s request is expected to address key provisions of the bill to ensure a more effective legal and operational framework for state policing while safeguarding national security and constitutional responsibilities.

The proposed legislation is part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture by allowing states to establish their own police services alongside the existing federal policing system.

Supporters of state police argue that decentralising law enforcement would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and enable quicker responses to local security challenges.

However, the proposal has also generated debate, with critics expressing concerns over possible political interference, funding, oversight, and the potential misuse of state-controlled police forces.

The National Assembly is expected to consider the President’s proposed amendments as deliberations on the bill continue, with stakeholders closely watching what could become one of Nigeria’s most significant security reforms in decades.

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has been re-elected as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.

Adeniyi’s re-election reflects the confidence of member administrations in his leadership and comes as the WCO continues efforts to strengthen international customs cooperation, facilitate global trade, and combat cross-border crimes.

As Chairperson of the Council, Adeniyi will continue to oversee discussions on key customs policies, trade facilitation, border security, digital transformation, and capacity building among the organization’s member countries.

Reacting to his re-election, the Nigeria Customs Service described the development as a significant milestone for both the service and the country, noting that it highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in international customs administration.

The service also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting efficient customs operations, improving revenue collection, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing collaboration with customs administrations worldwide.

The World Customs Organization, headquartered in Brussels, brings together customs administrations from across the globe to develop international standards and strengthen cooperation in customs and border management.

Uba Sani has defended Nigeria’s judiciary, arguing that many politicians currently criticising the courts had previously benefited from judicial rulings.

The Kaduna State governor said it was inconsistent for political actors to praise the judiciary when judgments favour them but question its credibility when decisions go against their interests.

According to Sani, respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary is essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system. He urged political leaders and their supporters to allow the courts to perform their constitutional responsibilities without undue pressure or intimidation.

The governor stressed that while judicial decisions may be subject to appeal through established legal processes, public confidence in the justice system should not be undermined by selective criticism.

He also called on politicians to place national interest above partisan considerations, noting that strong democratic institutions are built on respect for due process and the separation of powers.

Sani reaffirmed his support for an independent judiciary, describing it as a critical pillar of democracy and a vital safeguard for justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.