The Senate has passed the National Emergency Toll Service (NETS) Establishment Bill, 2025 through second reading, marking a major step toward creating a unified emergency response system across the country.
Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua (Katsina Central), the bill seeks to establish a single, toll-free, three-digit emergency number that will be accessible nationwide. The system aims to ensure rapid, coordinated response to emergencies regardless of location.
The legislation—which received overwhelming support on the floor—also designates the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as the regulatory authority overseeing the service. The goal, according to lawmakers, is to strengthen coordination among security, medical, and disaster-response agencies and improve the nation’s overall emergency management framework.
Meanwhile, in response to renewed national security concerns, the Senate has carried out a major reshuffling of several standing committees, fulfilling its earlier promise to reconstitute the Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
The announcement was made during plenary by the Senate Selection Committee, chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Under the new structure:
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi State) has been appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, moving from his previous role as Chairman of the National Planning Committee.
The Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry has been reorganized, with Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi State) now serving as Chairman. Buba was removed last week as Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
Senator Mustafa Musa (Yobe State) has been named the new Chairman of the Committee on National Planning.
In the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu (Enugu State) has been appointed Acting Chairman. Ngwu, formerly the committee’s Deputy Chairman, takes over following the indisposition of former Chairman Senator Akwashiki.
Senate leadership said the committee reconstitution is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen legislative oversight and improve institutional responsiveness to emerging national security challenges.
