Lagos assembly backs state police, urges swift constitutional amendment
The Lagos State House of Assembly has endorsed the establishment of state police and called on the 36 State Houses of Assembly to expedite the consideration and approval of the Constitution Alteration Bill on state policing in the national interest.
The resolution followed the unanimous adoption of a motion titled “Support for the Establishment of State Police in Nigeria,” moved by the Majority Leader, Noheem Adams, during plenary on Wednesday.
*Obasa
Abimbola Joseph
The Lagos State House of Assembly has endorsed the establishment of state police and called on the 36 State Houses of Assembly to expedite the consideration and approval of the Constitution Alteration Bill on state policing in the national interest.
The resolution followed the unanimous adoption of a motion titled “Support for the Establishment of State Police in Nigeria,” moved by the Majority Leader, Noheem Adams, during plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the motion, Adams said the proposed constitutional amendment aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to decentralise policing, strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and improve the protection of lives and property.
“Lagos Assembly had consistently supported the establishment of state police to enhance community policing and address the country’s growing security challenges,” he said.
Adams noted that Nigeria’s police-to-population ratio of about one officer to every 600 people had limited effective policing, underscoring the need for a decentralised policing system capable of responding more efficiently to local security challenges.
Speaking during the debate, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the establishment of state police would strengthen the country’s security framework and enhance efforts to combat kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
He argued that state governments should be responsible for administering their respective police services, including recruitment, appointments, promotions and operational matters.
Obasa also proposed that state governors should appoint Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by their respective State Houses of Assembly.
Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate supported the motion and commended ongoing efforts to amend the Constitution to decentralise policing, strengthen national security and improve the protection of lives and property across the country.
The House subsequently adopted the motion unanimously, reaffirming its support for the establishment of state police as a key measure to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
