By Ibrahim Salaudeen, Lagos
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have unanimously endorsed the proposed establishment of State Police, while calling for clearer constitutional provisions to define policing powers and protect the independence of state legislatures.
The lawmakers expressed their support during plenary on Tuesday after reconvening earlier than scheduled to consider the constitutional amendment bill transmitted by the National Assembly.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said the establishment of State Police had remained a recurring subject of debate across successive assemblies, from the fifth to the 10th, as lawmakers explored ways to strengthen security and improve the protection of lives and property.
Obasa welcomed the renewed attention given to the proposal but expressed concern that some critical issues previously raised by state legislatures had not been adequately addressed in the amendment process.
He specifically highlighted the need to clarify the relationship between federal and state policing authorities, warning that ambiguities in their respective powers and responsibilities could create an imbalance between the two levels of government.
The proposed amendment, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Act, 2026, seeks to provide for the establishment of the State Police Service and related matters.
While expressing optimism about the proposed reform, Obasa said further legislative action should ensure that states have meaningful control over their policing arrangements, with clearly defined responsibilities and appropriate constitutional safeguards.
He also commended state Houses of Assembly that had supported the proposal, noting that nearly 25 states had indicated their backing for the constitutional alteration.
Beyond the establishment of State Police, the Speaker called for an explicit constitutional provision for parliamentary police to protect legislative institutions and preserve their independence.
Obasa cited past incidents in which state legislative buildings were allegedly demolished or locked up at the instance of governors, arguing that such occurrences underscored the need for stronger institutional protection.
According to him, establishing parliamentary police would help prevent interference with legislative activities, safeguard state assemblies and strengthen democratic institutions.
He maintained that the responsibilities of state police must be clearly spelt out in the Constitution, alongside adequate provisions for state legislatures, to prevent conflicts over authority and ensure that the proposed security structure operates within a well-defined legal framework.
The Speaker also praised President Bola Tinubu for his stated commitment to democracy and democratic institutions, while acknowledging the contributions of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and the House of Representatives, to the constitutional amendment process.
The Lagos Assembly’s endorsement adds to the ongoing legislative consideration of the proposed State Police framework, with questions surrounding operational control, the division of policing responsibilities and safeguards against political interference remaining central to the debate.
