State Police: Lagos Assembly backs states’ control of police services

By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The Lagos State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed establishment of state police, insisting that states should retain full authority over the administration of their police services to effectively address 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 it as a critical reform.

Obasa, however, called for clearer constitutional provisions defining the circumstances under which the Federal Government can intervene in the operations of state police.

He maintained that governors should appoint Commissioners of State Police, subject to confirmation by their respective State Houses of Assembly, while senior officers should also undergo legislative screening.

“States should retain full authority over the administration of their police services, including recruitment, appointments and operational matters. The solution is to enact strong laws that guarantee accountability and prevent abuse, rather than reject the establishment of state police,” Obasa said.

The Assembly also dismissed concerns that state police could be politicised, noting that similar allegations have been made against the existing centrally controlled policing system.

Earlier, the member representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, Stephen Ogundipe, moved a motion supporting the establishment of state police, noting that the Constitution Alteration Bill had already secured the required approval at the National Assembly.

The lawmakers unanimously urged the 36 State Houses of Assembly to expedite consideration of the bill to facilitate its passage and implementation, saying state police would complement the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen community policing across the country.