The Lagos State House of Assembly has backed the proposed establishment of state police but called for constitutional provisions granting states greater control over their policing systems and clearly defining the relationship between state and federal police authorities.
The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, made the position known on Tuesday during plenary after lawmakers considered the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, transmitted to state legislatures by the National Assembly.
Obasa described the proposed amendment as a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges but argued that the current provisions did not adequately settle questions surrounding the control and administration of state police.
“While the proposed amendment represents a step in the right direction, there is still room for improvement to ensure that future administrations can strengthen the provisions and grant states greater authority in managing their security systems,” he said.
The Speaker noted that the demand for state police had persisted through successive National Assemblies, from the fifth to the 10th, as successive governments explored ways to improve security and protect lives and property.
He said the current proposal marked progress because the long-standing demand was finally receiving constitutional attention. However, he warned that retaining substantial control at the federal level could undermine the purpose of establishing state police.
Obasa called for clear constitutional provisions defining the functions and responsibilities of state police, cautioning that differences in the powers assigned to federal and state authorities could create an imbalance in the country’s policing structure.
His remarks came as state Houses of Assembly considered the constitutional amendments required to establish a State Police Service, with nearly 25 states reportedly having expressed support for the proposal.
The Speaker commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and state legislatures for advancing the amendment process. He urged lawmakers at all levels to address the outstanding concerns before the process was concluded.
Obasa also advocated the establishment of dedicated police arrangements for legislative institutions, arguing that such measures were necessary to protect their independence.
He cited previous incidents in which state legislative complexes were allegedly demolished or locked at the instance of governors, saying dedicated security arrangements for the legislature could help prevent similar occurrences and shield lawmakers from executive interference.
According to him, safeguarding legislative institutions was essential to strengthening democratic governance and preserving the independence of the legislature.
“Protecting the legislature is essential to strengthening democratic institutions, preserving the independence of the legislative arm of government, and sustaining democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Adenike Oshinowo, to formally communicate the Lagos Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly.
