Lagos Assembly Backs State Police

Lagos State House of Assembly has supported the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

It urged the remaining 45 state Houses of Assemblies to expedite consideration and approval of the Constitution Alteration Bill on state policing in the interest of Nigeria.

The lawmakers made the declaration during yesterday’s plenary after the majority leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, moved a motion titled “Support for the Establishment of State Police in Nigeria.”

Adams, in the motion, said the proposed legislation aligned with the federal government’s efforts to decentralise policing to tackle insecurity more effectively, strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, and improve the protection of lives and property across the country.

According to him, the Lagos Assembly has consistently supported the creation of state police to enhance community policing and address the growing security challenges facing the federation.

The Majority Leader also highlighted the country’s inadequate policing capacity, stating that Nigeria has an average of one police officer to about 600 people, a ratio he said has hampered effective law enforcement nationwide.

Supporting the motion, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa said establishing state police would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and boost efforts to combat kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.

He noted that state governments should have full authority over the administration of their police services, including recruitment, appointments, promotions and operational matters, proposing that state governors should appoint Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by their respective State Houses of Assembly.

Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate also backed the motion and commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to constitutional reforms aimed at decentralising policing, strengthening national security and improving the protection of lives and property across Nigeria.