The Senate has advanced the National Emergency Toll Service (NETS) Establishment Bill 2025 after it passed its second reading.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua (Katsina Central), aims to establish a unified, easily accessible, and fast-response emergency system through a dedicated three-digit, toll-free lineaccessible across Nigeria.
Lawmakers strongly supported the proposal, which would mandate the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to act as the regulatory body for the service, ensuring improved coordination in emergency response nationwide.
At the same sitting—and against the backdrop of heightened national security concerns—the Senate announced a sweeping reorganization of several standing committees, fulfilling its earlier commitment to restructure the Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
The Senate Selection Committee, chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement during plenary.
Under the new committee structure, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi State becomes Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, moving from his former role heading the Committee on National Planning.
The Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry has also been reorganized, with Senator Shehu Buba of Bauchi State appointed as its new chairman. Buba was removed last week as Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
Additionally, Senator Mustafa Musa of Yobe State has been named Chairman of the Committee on National Planning.
Changes were also made to the Committee on Air Force, where Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu of Enugu State now serves as Acting Chairman. Ngwu previously held the position of Deputy Chairman before former chairman Senator Akwashiki became unavailable.
According to Senate leadership, the reorganization is intended to reinforce oversight functions and boost the legislature’s ability to respond effectively to evolving national security concerns.
What you should know
The NETS bill aims to establish a single nationwide emergency number to streamline crisis response, with the NCC as regulator.
The Senate’s committee reshuffle reflects growing urgency over national security challenges, positioning key lawmakers to strengthen oversight and support coordinated security efforts across the country.
