The Lagos State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed establishment of state police, insisting that state governments should retain full authority over the administration of their police services to effectively tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, commended President Bola Tinubu, the Senate and the House of Representatives for advancing the Constitution Alteration Bill on state police, describing the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening the country’s security architecture.
Obasa, however, called for clearer constitutional provisions outlining the circumstances under which the Federal Government can intervene in the operations of state police.
He also proposed that governors should appoint Commissioners of State Police, subject to confirmation by their respective State Houses of Assembly, while the appointment of senior officers should likewise require legislative screening.
The Speaker dismissed concerns that state police could be politicised, arguing that similar criticisms have long been directed at the existing centrally controlled policing system.
Earlier, the member representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, Stephen Ogundipe, moved a motion in support of the establishment of state police, noting that the Constitution Alteration Bill had already secured the necessary approval at the National Assembly.
Following deliberations, lawmakers unanimously called on the 36 State Houses of Assembly to expedite consideration of the bill to facilitate its passage and implementation.
According to the Assembly, the creation of state police would complement the Nigeria Police Force, enhance community policing and improve the country’s overall security response.
