The Senate has passed the National Emergency Toll Service (NETS) Establishment Bill 2025 through second reading, marking a significant step toward creating a unified national emergency response system.
Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua (Katsina Central), the bill seeks to introduce a uniform, toll-free, three-digit number accessible nationwide to ensure rapid and coordinated emergency response.
The legislation, which received overwhelming support, also designates the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as the regulatory authority to oversee the service.
Amid heightened national security concerns, the upper chamber has undertaken a sweeping reconstitution of several standing committees, fulfilling its promise to reorganize 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 Committee on National Security and Intelligence, moving from his previous position as head of the Committee on National Planning.
The Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry also saw changes, with Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi State) named Chairman. He was recently removed as Chairman of the National Security and Intelligence Committee.
In another adjustment, Senator Mustafa Musa (Yobe State) now chairs the Committee on National Planning.
The Senate Committee on Air Force has likewise been reshuffled, with Minority Whip Osita Ngwu (Enugu State) taking over as Acting Chairman, following the indisposition of former Chairman Senator Akwashiki. Ngwu previously served as Deputy Chairman of the committee.
According to Senate leadership, the reconstitution aims to strengthen oversight and improve institutional response to evolving national security challenges.
(Channels Tv)
