The Lagos State House of Assembly has backed the proposed establishment of state police but called for clearer constitutional provisions defining the powers and responsibilities of federal and state police authorities.

The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, raised the concerns on Tuesday during plenary while lawmakers considered the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, transmitted to state Houses of Assembly by the National Assembly.

Mr Obasa described the proposed amendment as a step in the right direction but said it did not sufficiently resolve questions surrounding the control and administration of state police.

He argued that leaving substantial powers at the federal level could undermine the purpose of establishing 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,” the Speaker said.

He noted that the demand for state police had been raised by successive National Assemblies, from the fifth to the 10th, as governments continued to seek better ways of addressing insecurity and protecting lives and property.

Mr Obasa said the current proposal was significant because the long-standing demand had finally received constitutional attention, but stressed that the relationship between federal and state police must be clearly defined.

Nearly 25 states support proposal

The Lagos Assembly’s position comes as state Houses of Assembly consider the constitutional amendment required to establish a State Police Service.

Mr Obasa said nearly 25 states had already expressed support for the proposal, while commending President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly leadership and other state legislatures for advancing the amendment process.

He urged lawmakers at all levels to address the outstanding concerns before the process is concluded.

Speaker demands parliamentary police

Mr Obasa also called for the establishment of parliamentary police to protect legislative institutions and safeguard their independence.

He cited previous incidents in which state legislative complexes were allegedly demolished or locked at the instance of governors, arguing that dedicated parliamentary police could help prevent such occurrences.

According to him, protecting legislative institutions is necessary to strengthen democratic governance and preserve the independence of the legislative arm of government.

“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.

The Speaker subsequently directed the Clerk of the House, Adenike Oshinowo, to formally communicate the Lagos Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly.