Lawmakers debate creation of state police amid security concerns; bill’s passage seen as landmark in Nigeria’s federal structure

The House of Representatives on Thursday, 11 June 2026, held a decisive vote on a bill proposing the establishment of state police across Nigeria. The session took place at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, drawing intense debate among lawmakers over the merits and risks of decentralising police powers to the state level.

The plenary saw members from various political parties—including APC, PDP, LP, and NNPP—voice support and reservations as the bill was presented for consideration. Proponents argued that establishing state-controlled police would help address persistent insecurity and improve response times, especially in states battling rising crime rates and banditry. Opponents warned about possible misuse by state governments and the risk of politicising law enforcement.

Nigeria currently operates a centralised policing system, but calls for restructuring have grown louder in recent years following repeated attacks by armed men in several regions and complaints about inadequate federal police presence. Supporters say that state police could empower Governors and local authorities to act swiftly against security threats.

The outcome of Thursday’s vote was closely watched by civil society groups and security experts. Some lawmakers stressed the need for strong checks and balances to prevent abuse. “We must ensure that any new security arrangement protects all Nigerians equally,” one member stated during the floor debate.

If passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and approved by two-thirds of State Houses of Assembly—as required for constitutional amendments—the bill could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s approach to policing. Analysts say implementation details, funding mechanisms, and oversight structures will be critical to its success or failure.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/886818-house-of-reps-votes-on-state-police-bill-live-updates.html

Nollywood actress cites ₦5,000 spent on tomatoes as NBS data shows food inflation hits 16.06% in April 2026

Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has raised alarm over the rising cost of food in Lagos, saying on Monday that if someone like her is feeling the pinch, she fears for the plight of ordinary Nigerians. Kadiri made the remarks in a video posted online, highlighting that basic ingredients such as pepper and tomatoes now cost up to ₦5,000 per purchase.

Kadiri said she was troubled by how quickly prices have escalated and expressed concern about families struggling to cope. ‘Cost of tomatoes is so high. Somebody will use ₦5,000 to buy pepper and tomatoes. ₦5,000, while somebody else out there is probably earning ₦25,000, ₦40,000, ₦50,000,’ she stated. Her comments resonated widely among Nigerians online, with many saying she spoke for millions facing similar hardship.

Her public outcry comes amid new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which reported that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose from 15.69% to 16.06% in April 2026—the highest since November 2025. The spike has been driven mainly by surging food costs, with key staples such as pepper, beef, yam flour and garri recording significant increases. The NBS Cost of Healthy Diet indicator now puts daily nutrition needs at a minimum of ₦1,513 per adult—a jump of 12.4% compared to last year.

Kadiri also spoke on the psychological toll of prolonged hardship. ‘Poverty—what poverty does to people’s minds is like cancer; it eats away,’ she said in her video message. She warned that frustration over living costs could spill over into family tensions and general anger in society.

The United Nations has projected that up to 35 million Nigerians risk facing severe food insecurity during the peak lean season in 2026. In some states such as Ekiti and Abia, households reportedly spend more than 87% of the minimum wage on food alone. Labour leaders have warned that rising prices are eroding workers’ purchasing power nationwide.

Kadiri concluded: ‘If somebody like me can start to feel the brunt of the heaviness of being a human being, I wonder what other people are going through.’ With inflation still climbing and no immediate relief in sight, stakeholders say urgent policy action will be needed to address worsening food affordability across Nigeria.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ruth-kadiri-rising-food-prices-nigeria-2026061111100952325

Global oil markets react to US-Iran standoff after closure of Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over inflation in Nigeria

Brent crude oil prices climbed past $93 per barrel on Tuesday in Lagos following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with experts warning of imminent increases in petrol landing costs and inflation across Nigeria. The development comes after US President Donald Trump, ahead of his 80th birthday on June 14, issued a stern ultimatum to Iranian leaders amid an escalating military confrontation.

The diplomatic standoff escalated sharply after Iran announced the total closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime passage for global energy shipments—following the downing of an American military helicopter. In response, President Trump told Fox News during a phone interview that unless Iranian authorities sign a new agreement immediately, “We’ll bomb the shit out of them tomorrow night.” The US had earlier launched 49 Tomahawk missiles targeting Iranian radar and air defence sites near the Persian Gulf.

Analysts say that any disruption to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could have significant consequences for Nigeria’s economy, given that one-fifth of global petroleum passes through this channel daily. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has repeatedly warned that spikes in international crude prices and supply disruptions directly affect fuel import costs and naira stability, with previous crises leading to sharp increases at filling stations nationwide.

Reacting to developments, senior Iranian officials reportedly reached out to the White House requesting a halt to further attacks as diplomatic talks remained inconclusive. While government sources in Abuja declined immediate comment on contingency plans for fuel imports, industry stakeholders have raised concerns over possible shortages and further upward pressure on consumer prices if the conflict persists. “Any escalation in the Middle East will hit Nigeria’s economy through higher petrol prices and exchange rate volatility,” an oil sector analyst said.

As at Tuesday evening, energy traders in Lagos and Port Harcourt were already factoring higher freight and insurance costs into their pricing models. Experts say Nigerians should brace for possible hikes in pump prices if hostilities continue or oil shipments remain stranded at sea. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have called on government to strengthen domestic refining capacity as a long-term buffer against external shocks linked to global geopolitical risks.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/trump-birthday-wish-iran-bomb-threat-nigeria-fuel-prices-2026061110412665857