Lagos Assembly passes State Police Bill, raises concerns over control

The Lagos State House of Assembly has unanimously supported the proposed establishment of state police following its consideration of the constitutional amendment bill transmitted by the National Assembly.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, disclosed this on Tuesday during plenary, which the lawmakers reconvened for after shortening their recess to consider the bill.

Speaking after reading the relevant sections of the proposed amendment, Obasa said the establishment of state police had remained a recurring issue from the fifth to the 10th Assembly, with successive legislatures discussing ways to strengthen security and protect lives and property.

He described the development as a step forward but expressed concern that some issues raised by state legislatures, particularly those relating to control and the relationship between federal and state policing, had not been adequately addressed.

The proposed constitutional amendment, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Act, 2026, seeks to provide for the establishment of the State Police Service and related matters.

Obasa commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to democracy and democratic institutions, as well as the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and the House of Representatives, for their contributions to the amendment process.

He also commended the various State Houses of Assembly for supporting the proposal, noting that nearly 25 states had expressed support for the constitutional alteration.

However, the Speaker raised concerns over provisions relating to the control of state police and the apparent disparity between the security arrangements for the National Assembly and state legislatures.

According to him, the functions and responsibilities of state police should be clearly defined, with appropriate constitutional provisions made for state legislatures to protect their independence.

Obasa said: “Nevertheless, we are happy and pleased that, at the end of the day, the issue of state police has received attention.

“However, our interests and positions have not been adequately taken care of in this process. I am sure that if you examine the provisions, as we have cited the relevant sections and paragraphs, you will realise that some of the key issues surrounding control remain unresolved.

“Where state legislatures have powers, similar provisions should be considered at the national level. There is also a provision that, in the event of a conflict between federal and state laws, federal law may prevail in circumstances provided for by the Constitution.

“Therefore, I do not know whether the current provisions on state police adequately address these concerns or whether they give sufficient consideration to the relationship between state and federal policing. Whatever the case may be, I want to say that this is, at least, a step forward”, he said.

He expressed hope that further developments would give states greater control over their policing arrangements, while commending the President and the National Assembly for their roles in the process.

The Speaker also noted that although the constitutional amendment process had not been concluded, he remained hopeful that outstanding issues would be addressed at the appropriate time.

On the security of legislative institutions, Obasa questioned why the proposed arrangements for policing the National Assembly did not provide equivalent protection for state legislatures.

He said such an arrangement could create an advantage for one level of government over another, stressing the need for clear provisions to protect state legislatures.

Obasa disclosed that he had discussed the issue with some senators, including the Deputy Senate President and the Senate Leader, as well as other stakeholders.

He called for a clear constitutional provision for parliamentary police, similar to arrangements in the United States and other jurisdictions, to safeguard legislative institutions and preserve their independence.

The Speaker warned against a recurrence of incidents in which governors could order the demolition of legislative buildings or lock up state legislatures to serve personal interests.

He said establishing parliamentary police would help prevent such incidents, strengthen state legislatures and protect democracy.

Obasa thanked his colleagues for supporting the amendment and participating in the process, adding that the House would continue to support the National Assembly in addressing the outstanding issues.

The House subsequently adjourned plenary to November 9, 2026.

Recall that about 24 states have thrown their support behind the establishment of state police.