The Senate on Tuesday pushed forward the National Emergency Toll Service (NETS) Establishment Bill 2025 after it scaled second reading, marking a significant step toward creating a unified emergency response system across the country.
Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua (Katsina Central), the bill proposes the establishment of a dedicated, toll-free, three-digit number that will be accessible nationwide, aimed at improving the speed and coordination of emergency response services.
The legislation also designates the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as the regulatory body to oversee the system once operational.
The bill received broad bipartisan support, with lawmakers emphasizing its importance amid rising national security and public safety concerns.
Meanwhile, in a separate move during Tuesday’s plenary, the Senate announced sweeping changes to several standing committees—an exercise the leadership said was necessary to strengthen oversight functions, especially on security-related matters.
The Senate Selection Committee, chaired by President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, announced Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi) as the new Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
Abdullahi, who previously led the Committee on National Planning, takes over as part of the chamber’s renewed focus on security oversight.
Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi) has been reassigned as Chairman of the Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry, following his removal last week from the National Security and Intelligence Committee.
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In turn, Senator Mustafa Musa (Yobe) has been appointed Chairman of the restructured Committee on National Planning.
The Committee on Air Force also witnessed a leadership change, with Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu (Enugu) stepping in as acting Chairman.
Ngwu had served as deputy chairman before the former chairman, Senator Akwashiki, became indisposed.
Senate leaders said the reconstitution is part of ongoing efforts to reinforce institutional capacity and ensure better legislative response to emerging security challenges nationwide.