- State Police: UK-Funded SPRiNG Hails NASS Security RoundtableI
The United Kingdom (UK) Government-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme has commended the National Assembly for convening the National Security Roundtable held on Wednesday, as part of the NASS Open Week 2026.
Speaking on the significance of the roundtable, Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission Abuja, Cynthia Rowe, stated: “Sustainable security requires strong, accountable institutions that are responsive to the needs of the people.
“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.”
According to her, the roundtable’s discussion areas perfectly aligned with the SPRiNG Programme’s Security Sector Reform objectives, addressing pressing issues such as banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder conflicts.
Team Leader of the SPRiNG Programme, Ukoha Ukiwo, emphasised the programmatic importance of the legislative convening: “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 the SPRiNG Programme stands ready to support follow-up engagements with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the resolutions translated from this dialogue are actively implemented.
The security roundtable, which was held at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, National Assembly Complex, was designed to convene the nation’s top security leadership and relevant National Assembly committees to take stock of the country’s security situation.
Central to the dialogue was the identification of vital legislative and budgetary support needed by security agencies, alongside critical discussions to advance the reform agenda, particularly state policing within the constitutional review process.
The high-level event featured special remarks from key stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector-General of Police, and the Ministers of Defence, Interior, and Police Affairs.
Panels also explored the critical need for inter-agency collaboration, technology and innovation in security operations, and 21st-century community engagement.
