President Bola Tinubu has summoned a joint session of the Council of State and the Police Council for Thursday, October 9, as Nigeria grapples with a surge in insecurity and political uncertainty across parts of the country.
The back-to-back meetings, scheduled to be held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, are expected to focus on fortifying the country’s security framework, assessing ongoing military operations, and considering new strategies to curb banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence in several northern and central states.
A statement on Monday by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, confirmed that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, had invited members of both councils to participate, either in person or virtually.
“The meetings aim to discuss matters of national importance and key issues affecting national security and policing,” the statement said. “The Council of State meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., while the Police Council meeting will hold at 2:00 p.m.”
The Council of State, chaired by the President, is an advisory body comprising former Presidents, former Heads of State, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, state governors, and the Attorney-General of the Federation. It plays a critical role in shaping national policy, particularly on matters relating to security, governance, and key appointments.
The Police Council, meanwhile, oversees the administration and operational control of the Nigeria Police Force, including the appointment and discipline of senior officers.
According to sources within the Presidency, the sessions will also deliberate on political and administrative matters, including the anticipated nomination of a new chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The meetings come shortly after Tinubu’s return to Abuja on Monday evening from a 10-day working visit to Lagos, where he held a series of engagements with investors, development partners, and political stakeholders. His aircraft, a San Marino-registered Boeing Business Jet (BBJ T7-NAS), landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 6:55 p.m., the State House said.
During his Lagos visit, Tinubu met with top business figures, including Global Infrastructure Partners CEO Bayo Ogunlesi and Metis Capital Partners Chairman Keem Belo-Osagie, for discussions on scaling investment in infrastructure, energy, and logistics — sectors central to his administration’s economic diversification agenda.
He also hosted the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, Arsenio Dominguez, alongside the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to explore opportunities in developing Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Before returning to the capital, Tinubu toured Oyo, Imo, and Plateau states for a series of national events. In Jos, while attending the funeral of the late mother of APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unity and religious harmony, declaring, “My mission is to unite this country and ensure its prosperity. Progress is being made on both fronts.”
Thursday’s Council of State meeting will be the second under Tinubu’s administration and is expected to serve as a key platform for consensus-building among Nigeria’s political and institutional leaders amid worsening security challenges and growing public anxiety.
