Senate Forms Committee For National Security Summit, Pushes For Tougher Oil Theft Laws.
The Senate has established a 20-member committee to organise a national summit to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced during Thursday’s plenary session. The decision, backed unanimously through a voice vote, reflects growing concerns over insecurity across the country.
The committee, chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) with Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) as vice chairman, includes senators such as Austin Akobundu (Abia), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), and Shuaib Salisu (Ogun), alongside the Clerk of the Senate, Andrew Nwoba. Tasked with developing the summit’s framework and proposing actionable solutions, the committee must submit its report within two weeks.
The initiative follows a resolution on 6 May, prompted by a motion from Senator Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), advocating for a national dialogue on insecurity. A key focus of the summit will be tackling the leakage of sensitive military information to terrorists and bandits. Although a similar summit was held in 2021 by the 9th National Assembly, many of its recommendations remain unimplemented, and insecurity has worsened in several regions.
In a related development, Akpabio revealed plans for stringent legislative measures to combat crude oil theft, including introducing terrorism charges for major offenders. Speaking on Tuesday at a two-day public hearing on oil theft, organised by the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Incessant Crude Oil Theft, he was represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
“The 10th National Assembly is committed to halting the economic haemorrhage caused by oil theft,” Akpabio said. “We will strengthen laws, enhance oversight, and ensure accountability from agencies protecting our oil assets. Stiffer penalties, including terrorism charges, will be considered for major offenders.”
He urged oil companies to invest in modern surveillance and pipeline security systems and called on host communities to act as first-line defenders rather than accomplices.
The Senate also passed the Local Automotive Industry Patronage Bill, 2025, for second reading. The bill mandates government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to prioritise locally manufactured vehicles in their procurement processes, aiming to bolster Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Additionally, the Senate urged President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, which has been passed by the National Assembly and awaits presidential approval.
As Nigeria grapples with multifaceted security and economic challenges, the Senate’s actions signal a renewed push for legislative solutions to safeguard the nation’s future.
