By Our Reporter
The Lagos State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed establishment of state police, calling for constitutional provisions that would grant states greater control over their policing systems and clearly define the responsibilities of federal and state police authorities.
The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, stated this on Tuesday during plenary while lawmakers considered the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, transmitted to state legislatures by the National Assembly.
Obasa described the proposed amendment as an important step towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges but warned that the current provisions required further adjustments to ensure that states had sufficient authority to manage their security affairs.
He said the amendment should clearly establish who would control and administer state police, as well as define the relationship between state and federal police formations.
According to the Speaker, the demand for state police has persisted through successive National Assemblies, from the fifth to the 10th, as successive governments have explored ways to strengthen security and protect lives and property.
He noted that the current constitutional amendment process represented progress, as the long-standing proposal was finally receiving serious legislative attention.
However, he cautioned that retaining substantial policing powers at the federal level could undermine the objectives of establishing state police.
Obasa also stressed the need for clear constitutional provisions outlining the functions and responsibilities of the proposed state police, warning that an unclear division of authority 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 expressing support for the proposal.
The Speaker commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and state lawmakers for advancing the amendment process, urging them to address outstanding concerns before its conclusion.
Obasa also advocated the establishment of parliamentary police to protect legislative institutions and safeguard their independence.
He cited previous incidents in which legislative complexes were allegedly demolished or locked at the instance of state governors, arguing that dedicated security arrangements for legislatures could help prevent executive interference.
According to him, protecting legislative institutions is essential to strengthening democratic governance and preserving the independence of the legislature.
Obasa subsequently directed the Clerk of the House, Adenike Oshinowo, to formally communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly.