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The Lagos State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposal to establish a state police service, but Speaker Mudashiru Obasa cautioned that the constitutional amendment must grant states greater control over policing and clearly define the relationship between state and federal police authorities. During a plenary session on Tuesday, lawmakers considered the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which was transmitted to state Houses of Assembly by the National Assembly. Obasa said the amendment was a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, yet he argued that the provisions did not yet resolve questions about who would control and administer 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,” Obasa said. He noted that the demand for state police has persisted through successive National Assemblies, from the fifth to the tenth, as governments seek ways to improve security and protect lives and property. Obasa said the current proposal represented progress because the long‑standing demand was finally receiving constitutional attention, but warned that leaving substantial powers at the federal level could undermine the purpose of creating state police. Obasa called for clear constitutional provisions that define the functions and responsibilities of the proposed state police. He warned that differences in the powers assigned to federal and state authorities could create an imbalance in the country’s policing structure. The debate comes as state Houses of Assembly consider the constitutional alteration required to establish a State Police Service, with nearly 25 states already expressing support for the proposal. Obasa commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly leadership, and state legislatures for pushing the amendment process, while urging lawmakers at all levels to address remaining concerns before the process is concluded. In addition to the state police discussion, Obasa made a separate case for parliamentary policing. He cited incidents in which state legislative complexes were allegedly demolished or locked at the instance of governors, arguing that dedicated security arrangements for legislative institutions could prevent such occurrences and protect lawmakers from executive interference. “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. Article source: The Punch | Image credit: The Punch
The Lagos State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposal to establish a state police service, but Speaker Mudashiru Obasa cautioned that the constitutional amendment must grant states greater control over policing and clearly define the relationship between state and federal police authorities. During a plenary session on Tuesday, lawmakers considered the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, which was transmitted to state Houses of Assembly by the National Assembly. Obasa said the amendment was a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, yet he argued that the provisions did not yet resolve questions about who would control and administer 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,” Obasa said. He noted that the demand for state police has persisted through successive National Assemblies, from the fifth to the tenth, as governments seek ways to improve security and protect lives and property. Obasa said the current proposal represented progress because the long‑standing demand was finally receiving constitutional attention, but warned that leaving substantial powers at the federal level could undermine the purpose of creating state police. Obasa called for clear constitutional provisions that define the functions and responsibilities of the proposed state police. He warned that differences in the powers assigned to federal and state authorities could create an imbalance in the country’s policing structure. The debate comes as state Houses of Assembly consider the constitutional alteration required to establish a State Police Service, with nearly 25 states already expressing support for the proposal. Obasa commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly leadership, and state legislatures for pushing the amendment process, while urging lawmakers at all levels to address remaining concerns before the process is concluded. In addition to the state police discussion, Obasa made a separate case for parliamentary policing. He cited incidents in which state legislative complexes were allegedly demolished or locked at the instance of governors, arguing that dedicated security arrangements for legislative institutions could prevent such occurrences and protect lawmakers from executive interference. “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.
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