Lagos Assembly backs state police, seeks clear division of powers
By: Abudu Olalekan
The Lagos State House of Assembly has backed plans to establish state police, while calling for a clearer division of powers between state and federal authorities.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa raised the issue on Tuesday during plenary, as lawmakers reviewed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026. The National Assembly had sent the bill to state legislatures for consideration.
Obasa described the proposed amendment as an important step towards tackling Nigeria’s security challenges. But he said it still left key questions unanswered, particularly 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,” he said.
The call for state police, Obasa noted, has featured in debates across successive National Assemblies, from the fifth to the 10th, as governments have looked for ways to improve security and protect lives and property.
He welcomed the fact that the proposal was now receiving constitutional attention. Still, he warned that leaving substantial authority with the Federal Government could weaken the purpose of creating state police.
Obasa urged lawmakers to clearly define the responsibilities of state and federal police. Without that clarity, he said, differences in their powers could create an imbalance in the country’s policing system.
State assemblies are now considering the constitutional changes needed to establish a State Police Service. Nearly 25 states have already expressed support for the proposal.
Obasa commended President Bola Tinubu, National Assembly leaders and state lawmakers for advancing the process. He urged them to resolve outstanding concerns before the amendment is finalised.
He also made a separate case for dedicated police protection for legislative institutions, arguing that it would help safeguard their independence.
Obasa pointed to past incidents in which state legislative complexes were allegedly demolished or locked at the behest of governors. Parliamentary police, he argued, could help prevent such actions 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 send the Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.