By Paul Effiong, Abuja
The United Kingdom Government-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme has commended the forthcoming National Security Roundtable, scheduled for Wednesday, 15 July 2026, as part of the National Assembl, NASS, Open Week 2026.
The high-level event will feature special remarks from key stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Ministers of Defence, Interior, and Police Affairs. Significantly for the SPRiNG Programme, the governors of its four focal states—Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau and Benue—as well as the governors of Kwara, Zamfara, Niger and Borno states, will provide strategic perspectives on regional security dynamics.
Speaking on the significance of the roundtable, the Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja, Ms Cynthia Rowe, said: “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.”The roundtable’s thematic focus aligns closely with the SPRiNG Programme’s Security Sector Reform objectives, addressing pressing security challenges such as banditry, kidnapping and farmer-herder conflicts. Panel discussions will also examine the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, the application of technology and innovation in security operations, and community engagement strategies suited to 21st-century policing.
The Team Leader of the SPRiNG Programme, Ukoha Ukiwo, underscored the importance of the legislative engagement, saying:”Our work across our state compacts has consistently demonstrated that operational peacebuilding must be underpinned by robust legal frameworks. The focus of this roundtable on state policing, security financing and institutional accountability is particularly timely.
By bridging the gap between grassroots realities and legislative action, we can ensure that both formal and informal security architectures work cohesively to build resilient communities across Nigeria.”The roundtable is expected to produce a comprehensive communiqué outlining key national security priorities and practical recommendations for the implementation of state policing and other critical security initiatives.The SPRiNG Programme reaffirmed its readiness to support follow-up engagements with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the resolutions arising from the dialogue are translated into concrete actions and effectively implemented.
