Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Approves State Police Bill, Empowers Governors to Appoint Commissioners Nationwide
Move grants state governors power to appoint police commissioners and issue operational directives, stirring debate on security and federalism
Move grants state governors power to appoint police commissioners and issue operational directives, stirring debate on security and federalism
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed a bill paving the way for the creation of state police, granting governors across all 36 states the authority to appoint police commissioners and issue operational directives. The decision was reached during plenary in Abuja, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s long-standing centralised policing structure.
Lawmakers voted in favour of the constitutional amendment after months of deliberation, with the majority supporting devolution of policing powers from federal authorities to state governments. The new framework allows each governor, as chief security officer of their state, to oversee police appointments and command structures directly for the first time since independence.
The move comes amid persistent insecurity challenges nationwide—including banditry, kidnapping and communal violence—fuelling calls for locally-controlled policing as a solution. Supporters argue that state police will improve rapid response to crime and allow for better knowledge of local terrain and threats. However, critics have voiced concerns about possible political misuse by governors and lack of sufficient checks against abuse.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the amendment demonstrates lawmakers’ commitment to address security concerns facing ordinary Nigerians. “This is a bold step towards strengthening our internal security architecture,” Akpabio declared during plenary. Meanwhile, some opposition senators questioned whether adequate safeguards are in place to prevent politicisation of law enforcement at state level.
With Senate passage secured, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it can be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent. If adopted into law, implementation will require further legislation detailing recruitment, funding and oversight mechanisms for newly-established state police commands.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NACA, Global Fund Host Abuja Meeting to Review COVID-19 Response Investments
National session brings government, donors and health stakeholders together to assess impact of pandemic funding in Nigeria
National session brings government, donors and health stakeholders together to assess impact of pandemic funding in Nigeria
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), in collaboration with the Global Fund and other partners, will convene a national close-out meeting in Abuja on Thursday, 25 June 2026. The event aims to review investments made through the COVID-19 response mechanism across Nigeria and discuss lessons learnt as the country transitions out of emergency pandemic measures.
According to organisers, the session will bring together federal government representatives, donor agencies, and key players from Nigeria’s health sector to assess how funds were utilised in strengthening health systems during the pandemic. Discussions are expected to focus on achievements, challenges encountered during implementation, and strategies for sustaining gains recorded in COVID-19 prevention and treatment efforts nationwide.
Nigeria benefited from significant international support during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, including grants and technical assistance from the Global Fund and allied partners. These investments enabled a scale-up of testing facilities, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), community outreach campaigns, and capacity building for frontline health workers. As at mid-2026, authorities say much of this emergency infrastructure is now being integrated into broader public health programmes.
A NACA official stated that the close-out meeting provides an opportunity to ensure transparency and accountability in managing donor resources. “This review process allows us to showcase what was achieved with partners’ support while identifying gaps that must be addressed for future outbreaks,” the official noted. Representatives of participating agencies are also expected to present reports on project outcomes during the session.
Stakeholders say recommendations emerging from Thursday’s meeting will inform Nigeria’s next steps in pandemic preparedness and resource mobilisation for public health emergencies. The Global Fund has indicated its readiness to continue supporting Nigeria’s health sector beyond COVID-19, with future interventions expected to prioritise system resilience and rapid response capabilities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ebola Cases in DR Congo Surpass 1,000 as Death Toll Hits 277, Says WHO
World Health Organisation urges intensified response after new figures mark major escalation in ongoing outbreak
World Health Organisation urges intensified response after new figures mark major escalation in ongoing outbreak
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now crossed 1,000 confirmed cases, with at least 277 people reported dead as at Wednesday. The agency revealed the updated figures during a briefing, noting that the situation remains dire in affected regions of eastern DRC.
According to WHO officials, the number of confirmed Ebola cases has been rising steadily over recent weeks, with health workers battling to contain the spread across multiple communities. The latest milestone was reached following a spike in new infections recorded over the past days.
The outbreak, which began months ago in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, is considered one of the most serious public health emergencies facing Central Africa. Nigerian medical experts have expressed concern about cross-border transmission risks due to frequent movement between DRC and neighbouring countries. The rapid escalation in case numbers puts pressure on already stretched health systems and poses a significant threat to regional stability.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for increased international support and deployment of resources to help Congolese authorities respond effectively. “This outbreak demonstrates the urgent need for improved surveillance and rapid response capacity,” Tedros said during the press conference. He also commended frontline health workers for their courage but warned that insecurity in some areas continues to hamper intervention efforts.
Health agencies are scaling up vaccination campaigns and community sensitisation programmes. However, officials warn that unless security challenges are addressed and funding gaps closed, further spread remains likely. Regional governments have been urged to strengthen border screenings and share information promptly with public health partners.
Nigeria News (Standard)
LPPC Suspends Mike Ozekhome from Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee takes disciplinary action against prominent lawyer; implications for SAN community
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee takes disciplinary action against prominent lawyer; implications for SAN community
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended Chief Mike Ozekhome from using the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), marking a significant move in Nigeria’s legal profession. The decision was announced on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, and affects one of the country’s most recognised lawyers.
Details surrounding the circumstances leading to Ozekhome’s suspension remain limited as at press time. The LPPC, which oversees appointments and discipline within the SAN cadre, did not immediately provide further explanation regarding the specific allegations or infractions that prompted its action against Ozekhome.
Ozekhome, a well-known constitutional lawyer and rights advocate, has held the SAN title for several years and is known for his involvement in high-profile cases and commentary on national legal issues. His suspension is expected to generate debate within legal circles, given his prominence and previous advocacy roles in both public interest and political matters.
The LPPC’s decision underscores its authority to regulate standards among holders of the prestigious SAN rank. Reactions from other members of the bar are still emerging, with some lawyers describing the move as a reminder that professional standards remain paramount regardless of status. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had yet to issue an official response as at Wednesday evening.
Further information on possible appeals or conditions attached to Ozekhome’s suspension is expected in coming days as stakeholders await more details from the LPPC. The development may prompt renewed scrutiny on disciplinary processes among senior legal practitioners in Nigeria.
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