Lagos Assembly Passes State Police Bill, Seeks full autonomy for states

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have unanimously supported the proposed establishment of State Police in line with the constitutional amendment bill transmitted by the National Assembly.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, disclosed this on Tuesday during plenary, which the lawmakers reconvened after shortening their recess to consider the bill.

Speaking after reading the relevant sections of the proposed amendment, he said establishment of State Police had remained a recurring issue from the fifth to the 10th Assembly, with successive legislatures discussing ways to strengthen security and protect lives and property.

Obasa described the development as a step forward but lamented that some concerns raised by State legislatures, particularly those relating to control and the relationship between federal and state policing, had not been adequately addressed.

The proposed constitutional amendment, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Act, 2026, seeks to establish the State Police Service and related matters.

Obasa expressed delight that the issue of State Police had received attention and hoped that further developments would give states greater control over their policing arrangements.

The Speaker also commended State Houses of Assembly for supporting the proposal, noting that nearly 25 States had expressed support for the constitutional alteration.

According to him, the disparity could create an advantage for one level of government over another, stressing that the functions and responsibilities of state police should be clearly defined, with appropriate provisions made for State legislatures.

Obasa called for a clear constitutional provision for parliamentary police to protect legislative institutions and preserve their independence, citing past incidents in which state legislative buildings had allegedly been demolished or locked up at the instance of governors.

He said establishing parliamentary police would help prevent such incidents, strengthen state legislatures and safeguard democracy.

The Speaker also commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to democracy and democratic institutions, and the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and the House of Representatives, for their contributions to the amendment process.