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Nigeria News (Standard)

Senate Approves State Police Bill as Tinubu Retains Federal Emergency Powers

Constitutional amendment allows states to form police services, but Abuja keeps authority to intervene in security matters

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Constitutional amendment allows states to form police services, but Abuja keeps authority to intervene in security matters

The Senate in Abuja on Wednesday passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, granting states the power to establish their own police services while maintaining significant emergency intervention rights for the Federal Government. The bill, sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC), moved through all legislative stages within 24 hours following a coordinated push between the executive and Senate leadership.

The legislation, if ratified by state assemblies and signed into law, will overhaul Nigeria’s security framework by replacing the current Nigeria Police Force with a restructured Federal Police Service and new State Police Services. However, under Section 214 of the bill, Abuja retains sweeping powers to deploy federal police in any state during actual or imminent breakdown of order, when a state police service is unable to function, or when national security is threatened.

Supporters say this move answers longstanding calls for decentralised policing to tackle insecurity across Nigeria’s regions. The North-West and North-Central zones have faced persistent attacks from armed groups, while South-East states have reported rising incidents of violence. Proponents argue that state-level control will allow faster response and improved community relations. However, critics warn that excessive federal oversight could undermine true autonomy for state police.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio (APC, Akwa Ibom North-West) described the bill as “a major step towards modernising our security sector,” adding during plenary that “the Federal Government must have capacity to step in when peace is at risk.” No official opposition statement was issued immediately after passage; PDP lawmakers were seen conferring outside chambers but did not address reporters.

The bill now proceeds to Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly for concurrence before it can become law. Analysts say its implementation will depend on clarity around funding, recruitment standards, and operational guidelines for both federal and state police services. Stakeholders also await further details on checks and balances designed to prevent abuse of emergency powers by Abuja.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/fg-retains-emergency-powers-under-state-police-bill/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Jigawa Government Approves ₦2.4bn for Greenhouse Projects, Road Compensation and Student Welfare

Approval covers greenhouse technology expansion, compensation for affected landowners, and support for indigent students in Jigawa State

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Approval covers greenhouse technology expansion, compensation for affected landowners, and support for indigent students in Jigawa State

The Jigawa State Government has approved the release of ₦2.4 billion to fund new greenhouse technology initiatives, pay compensation to property owners affected by road projects, and provide welfare support for students across the state. The decision was reached during the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday in Dutse.

According to details from the council’s resolution, a significant portion of the funds will be channelled towards the deployment of modern greenhouse farming methods, aimed at boosting agricultural output and creating job opportunities for youths in the North-Western state. Part of the allocation will also go to compensating individuals whose properties or farmlands are impacted by ongoing or planned road construction projects.

The move comes as Jigawa seeks to diversify its economy and reduce unemployment through investments in agriculture and infrastructure. The introduction of greenhouse technology is expected to enhance food security and encourage youth participation in agribusiness.

Officials said that part of the approved budget will be used to support indigent students with scholarships and other welfare packages. The government stated that these interventions are part of its broader agenda to improve human capital development in Jigawa.

The council assured that all disbursements would follow due process and reach intended beneficiaries. Further details on project timelines and beneficiary lists are expected to be released by relevant ministries in the coming weeks.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/890441-jigawa-okays-%e2%82%a62-4b-for-greenhouse-tech-road-compensation-students-welfare.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

LPPC Shortlists 89 Lawyers Nationwide for 2026 SAN Conferment

Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee unveils candidates for Senior Advocate of Nigeria title; final selection expected in coming months

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Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee unveils candidates for Senior Advocate of Nigeria title; final selection expected in coming months

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has released a shortlist of 89 lawyers across Nigeria as candidates for the conferment of the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank in 2026. The announcement was made public on Wednesday, 24 June, with the full list now available for scrutiny by legal stakeholders and the general public.

According to the LPPC, this shortlist represents a major step in the annual process that determines which legal practitioners will be elevated to the rank of SAN, regarded as one of the highest honours in Nigeria’s legal profession. The committee stated that those shortlisted have met initial eligibility criteria and will now undergo further screening and interviews before final approval is granted.

The conferment of SAN is considered significant within Nigerian legal circles, as it symbolises professional excellence and is often a prerequisite for leadership roles in the judiciary and private practice. Each year, lawyers from various states submit applications, which are then reviewed by the LPPC based on experience, courtroom performance, and integrity. The process aims to promote merit while also ensuring regional representation within the senior bar.

With this development, legal observers expect robust discussions within the profession regarding transparency and equity in the selection process. In previous years, some stakeholders have called for reforms to ensure wider access to the SAN title beyond major urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja. The LPPC has assured that due diligence will be observed throughout all stages leading up to the final announcement.

The next phase involves a review of petitions or objections against any candidate on the shortlist before a final list is published later in the year. Successful applicants will be formally decorated at a ceremony scheduled for 2026. The LPPC urged members of the public with credible information about any candidate’s suitability or otherwise to submit their input during this period.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890437-lppc-releases-short-list-of-89-candidates-for-2026-san-conferment-full-list.html

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AFN Invites 29 Athletes to Abuja Camp as Ese Brume Returns for Commonwealth Games Preparation

Athletes selected from Lagos trials and overseas records; camp opens June 25 ahead of Glasgow 2026 Games

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Athletes selected from Lagos trials and overseas records; camp opens June 25 ahead of Glasgow 2026 Games

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has invited 29 athletes, including Olympic medallist Ese Brume, to the National Sports Commission (NSC) Commonwealth Games camp in Abuja, as preparations intensify for the 2026 Games scheduled to hold in Glasgow, Scotland. The invitation, announced on Monday, follows the conclusion of national trials at Yabatech Sports Complex, Lagos, and consideration of current records from athletes unable to attend due to visa challenges.

According to AFN Secretary-General Israel Inwang, the selected team comprises 14 male and 15 female athletes drawn from performances at the recent Lagos trials as well as verified results from overseas-based competitors. The invited athletes have been directed to report at the NSC national camp in Abuja starting Thursday, June 25, for an intensive build-up programme targeting podium finishes at the Games.

This year’s athletics contingent will represent Nigeria in 18 events across track and field disciplines, including all three scheduled relays: men’s 4 × 100 metres, women’s 4 × 100 metres, and mixed 4 × 400 metres. The AFN emphasised that selection was based on merit and recent form, aiming to assemble a competitive squad capable of improving on Nigeria’s previous showing at international competitions.

In a statement released by AFN President Tonobok Okowa, the federation expressed confidence in the abilities of both athletes and technical crew. Okowa urged all invitees to exhibit discipline and commitment while assuring them of necessary support from the federation. “We are expecting all invited athletes and officials to resume camp as scheduled so we can achieve our goals for Glasgow,” Inwang added.

With barely a month left before the opening ceremony in Scotland, stakeholders are hopeful that early camping will give Team Nigeria an edge over regional rivals. The full list of invited athletes includes both home-based talents and those competing abroad who were unable to attend Lagos trials due to travel restrictions.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/ese-brume-returns-as-afn-list-29-athletes-for-camp/

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