Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria — Senior leaders of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held a closed-door meeting with Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, just hours after both legislative chambers resumed plenary following a short recess.
The National Assembly is Nigeria’s federal legislature, made up of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Its top leadership arrived at the Presidential Villa, the official workplace and residence of the Nigerian president located in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, at approximately 3:30 p.m. West African Time (WAT, GMT+1).
Those present included Godswill Akpabio, Barau Jibrin, Opeyemi Bamidele, Tajudeen Abbas, and Benjamin Kalu. Also seen arriving at the State House complex was Hope Uzodinma, a Governor in southeastern Nigeria.
The delegation spent roughly 30 minutes with the president before leaving the Presidential Villa at about 4:00 p.m. WAT. None of the officials addressed journalists waiting outside the complex, and the specific purpose of the meeting was not disclosed as of the time this report was filed.
Okay News reports that the meeting took place on the same day the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives reconvened after a brief legislative break. Lawmakers had initially planned to return from recess on Monday, February 24, 2026, but the date was postponed to allow parliamentary committees more time to complete budget defence sessions with various ministries, departments, and agencies of the federal government of Nigeria.
Budget defence sessions are a standard part of Nigeria’s legislative process. During these hearings, government ministries and public institutions appear before lawmakers to explain and justify their spending proposals before the National Assembly finalises the national budget.
Tuesday’s meeting also comes shortly after President Tinubu hosted members of both chambers of parliament at separate Ramadan Iftar dinners at the Presidential Villa. Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide, and Iftar refers to the evening meal used to break the daily fast.
During one of the gatherings with senators on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the Nigerian president urged lawmakers to begin discussions on constitutional amendments aimed at establishing state-level police forces in Nigeria. The proposal is part of broader efforts by the federal government to address rising security challenges across the country.
“What I am asking for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, free our children from fear,” Tinubu told senators during their Iftar on Wednesday, February 25.
Two days later, during a similar Iftar dinner with members of the House of Representatives on Friday, February 27, 2026, the president repeated the call for constitutional reforms. He also urged lawmakers to ensure that any amendment establishing state police would include safeguards to prevent potential misuse by state governors.
President Tinubu had earlier met with Nigeria’s state governors at another Ramadan Iftar gathering held on Monday, February 23, 2026, where he reaffirmed his administration’s determination to pursue the creation of state police forces.
“What I promise you is not to be postponed. We will establish state police.”
The Nigerian Constitution currently places policing under the control of the federal government through the Nigeria Police Force. Advocates of state police argue that decentralising the system could help local authorities respond more quickly to security threats, particularly in rural areas and forests where criminal groups often operate.
As of Tuesday evening, officials had not provided further details about the outcome of the latest meeting between President Tinubu and the National Assembly leadership.
