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The Lagos State House of Assembly backed the constitutional amendment to establish state police on Tuesday but demanded that the final law grant state governments full operational authority.
Debating the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, transmitted by the National Assembly, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa warned that leaving primary powers at the federal level would undermine the core purpose of localised policing.
Obasa stated: “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.”
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The Speaker stressed that the constitution must clearly define the functions and operational boundaries between state and federal police authorities to prevent power imbalances.
While praising President Bola Tinubu and legislative leaders for advancing the long-standing reform—which nearly 25 states currently support—Obasa urged lawmakers to resolve administrative control ambiguities before concluding the amendment process.
Additionally, Obasa advocated for the creation of dedicated parliamentary police to shield legislative institutions from executive interference.
Citing past incidents where governors locked or demolished state assembly complexes, he emphasised, “Protecting the legislature is essential to strengthening democratic institutions, preserving the independence of the legislative arm of government, and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.”
Following the debate, Obasa directed Clerk Adenike Oshinowo to formally communicate the Lagos Assembly’s conditions and resolutions to the National Assembly.
