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The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for a clearly defined framework governing the proposed state police system, warning that unclear responsibilities between federal and state authorities could undermine its effectiveness.
The position was made known during the Assembly’s consideration of proposed constitutional amendments relating to policing and other governance issues. The lawmakers stressed that establishing state police would require more than a change in the law, insisting that the powers and responsibilities of each level of government must be properly spelt out.
Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, maintained that state governments should have meaningful authority over security arrangements within their jurisdictions. He argued that leaving critical areas of responsibility unresolved could create administrative disagreements and weaken the intended benefits of decentralising policing.
Obasa acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly in advancing discussions on the proposed reform. However, he urged lawmakers to address areas of concern to ensure that the new arrangement, if approved, operates without unnecessary conflict between federal and state institutions.
The Lagos Assembly also advocated the establishment of parliamentary police to protect legislative institutions and preserve their independence. Obasa said such a security arrangement could help prevent situations in which legislative buildings or activities are disrupted by executive authorities.
He referred to past incidents involving the closure or demolition of legislative facilities by state governments, arguing that adequate protection was necessary to prevent a recurrence and strengthen democratic governance.
Following deliberations, Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Adenike Oshinowo, to forward the Assembly’s position to the National Assembly for consideration in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
The lawmakers’ position adds to the continuing debate over how Nigeria could restructure its policing system to improve security while maintaining effective coordination between the federal and state governments.
