The Lagos State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed establishment of state police but called for constitutional provisions granting states greater control over their security agencies and clearly defining their relationship with the Federal Government.
The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, made the position known on Tuesday during plenary while 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 warned that the current provisions needed further strengthening to ensure effective policing at the state level.
He argued that leaving substantial powers over state police in the hands of the Federal Government could undermine the objectives of the proposed reform.
“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 administrations sought lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges.
He said the current constitutional amendment offered an opportunity to address the longstanding demand but insisted that the final provisions must clearly define the powers, functions and responsibilities of state police authorities.
According to him, ambiguities in the relationship between federal and state policing institutions could create an imbalance and complicate the administration of security across the country.
The development comes as state Houses of Assembly consider the constitutional amendments required to establish a State Police Service, with nearly 25 states reportedly expressing support for the proposal.
Obasa commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and state legislatures for advancing the amendment process.
He, however, urged lawmakers at all levels to address the outstanding concerns before the constitutional review process is concluded.
Beyond state policing, the Speaker advocated the establishment of a dedicated parliamentary police system to protect legislative institutions and preserve their independence.
He cited previous incidents in which legislative complexes were allegedly demolished or locked at the instance of governors, arguing that a specialised security arrangement could help prevent executive interference in the affairs of parliament.
Obasa maintained that protecting legislative institutions was essential to strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that the legislature could discharge its constitutional responsibilities without intimidation.
“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.
He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House, Adenike Oshinowo, to formally communicate the Lagos Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly.
The Assembly’s position adds to the ongoing national debate over state policing, a proposal supporters believe could improve local intelligence gathering, strengthen community security and enhance responses to crimes.
However, questions surrounding operational independence, accountability, funding and the potential for political interference remain central to discussions on how the proposed system should be structured.
