Lagos Assembly Backs State Police, Raises Concerns Over Powers and Control

The Lagos State House of Assembly has endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police, while calling for clearer guidelines on how the proposed security structure would operate.

The decision followed deliberations on Tuesday, October 27, after lawmakers examined a constitutional amendment bill forwarded by the National Assembly. The proposal, known as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Act, 2026, seeks to create a legal framework for state-level policing.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, said the proposal represented progress in efforts to strengthen security across the country. He noted that successive assemblies had debated state police for years as part of broader discussions on protecting lives and property.

However, Obasa expressed reservations about provisions relating to the authority of state governments and their relationship with the federal police structure. He argued that the amendment must clearly define the responsibilities of both levels of government to prevent an imbalance in their policing powers.

The Speaker also praised President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for advancing the constitutional review process. He noted that nearly 25 state assemblies had supported the proposed amendment.

Beyond state policing, Obasa advocated the creation of a dedicated parliamentary police service to protect legislative institutions from interference. He referred to past incidents involving the closure or demolition of state assembly buildings, allegedly at the direction of governors, arguing that specialised security personnel would help preserve legislative independence.

He expressed optimism that the outstanding concerns would receive attention as the amendment process continued, urging lawmakers to maintain cooperation with the National Assembly.

The Lagos Assembly subsequently adjourned plenary until November 9, 2026.