By Our Correspondent
ABUJA/Nigeria: The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Interior in advancing internal security, strengthening governance and improving the delivery of public services across the 36 states of the federation.
The commitment was made during a high-level courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, who led a delegation of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to the Minister of Interior, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Federal Government and state legislatures, with both parties exploring ways to harmonise legislative efforts with national policies on internal security, public safety, immigration, correctional services and other areas under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.
Speaking after the meeting, Guwor said the engagement underscored the strategic role of state legislatures in translating federal policies into effective laws and programmes that directly impact citizens at the grassroots.
According to him, closer collaboration between the Ministry and state assemblies would facilitate the domestication of relevant legislation, strengthen oversight responsibilities and enhance the implementation of reforms designed to improve governance and national security.
“We had a fruitful discussion on how state legislatures can better interface with the Ministry to support federal initiatives at the grassroots,” Guwor stated.
He stressed that sustainable peace, security and national development require coordinated action among all tiers of government, noting that state Houses of Assembly remain critical partners in achieving the Federal Government’s reform agenda.
“Our shared goal is national development, peace and improved welfare for Nigerians. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to enact legislation and provide oversight that will strengthen institutions and support programmes that benefit our people,” he said.
The Conference Chairman added that the visit marked another step towards building a stronger legislative-executive partnership capable of addressing emerging security challenges while promoting efficient public service delivery across the country.
Responding, the Minister of Interior, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, commended the Conference of Speakers for initiating the engagement, describing it as a demonstration of the commitment of state legislatures to national development.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with state assemblies and assured the delegation of sustained collaboration through regular dialogue, information sharing and joint oversight of federal institutions and facilities located in the states.
Tunji-Ojo noted that stronger institutional cooperation between the Ministry and state legislatures would enhance policy implementation and improve the effectiveness of citizen-focused programmes across the federation.
The meeting ended with both the Conference of Speakers and the Federal Ministry of Interior agreeing to establish structured channels of collaboration aimed at strengthening governance, improving internal security, enhancing service delivery and consolidating Nigeria’s constitutional democracy through sustained intergovernmental cooperation.
