Lagos Assembly backs state police, but wants states to hold real power

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday, October 27, backed the constitutional amendment to establish state police, but with a condition: the final law must grant state governments full operational authority, or the reform will miss the point of localised policing.

The speaker's reservation: too much power left in Abuja

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa told the plenary that the amendment was a step in the right direction but still had room for improvement. He warned that leaving primary powers at the federal level would undermine the core purpose of localised policing and limit what future administrations could strengthen.

Obasa argued the amendment should clearly define the functions and responsibilities of federal and state police to prevent overlapping powers and administrative conflicts, including appropriate provisions for state legislatures. He urged lawmakers to address gaps raised by state assemblies before the amendment process is completed.

Which bill this is

The bill is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, transmitted by the National Assembly to the 36 state legislatures for their resolutions. It provides for the establishment of the State Police Service and related matters. Lagos lawmakers cut their recess short to reconvene for the debate, and reports say nearly 25 states have now signalled support.

A second ask: a parliamentary police

In the same sitting, Obasa pressed a separate case for a dedicated parliamentary police, with a clear constitutional provision to protect legislative institutions and preserve their independence. He cited past incidents in which state legislative complexes were allegedly demolished or locked on governors' orders, saying lawmakers need protection from executive interference.

The Assembly directed its clerk, Adenike Oshinowo, to formally communicate its resolution to the National Assembly. The amendment still has to complete the remaining stages at state and federal level, so when state police actually take shape — and how power is shared — will depend on the final text.