The Lagos State House of Assembly has backed the proposed establishment of state police, while urging lawmakers to address concerns over the distribution of powers between federal and state authorities in the proposed constitutional amendment.

The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, raised the concerns on Tuesday during plenary after lawmakers considered the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, transmitted to state legislatures by the National Assembly.

Obasa described the proposal as progress towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges but maintained that the amendment required further clarification to ensure states had sufficient authority to manage their security arrangements.

He said retaining substantial control at the federal level could undermine the purpose of establishing state police, stressing the need for constitutional provisions that clearly defined the functions and responsibilities of each level of policing.

The Speaker noted that the demand for state police had featured in deliberations by successive National Assemblies, from the fifth to the 10th, as governments explored measures to improve security and protect lives and property.

He welcomed the fact that the proposal was receiving constitutional consideration but urged lawmakers to resolve outstanding issues before completing the amendment process.

Obasa also commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and state legislatures for their roles in advancing the proposal.

He said nearly 25 states had expressed support for the proposed constitutional alteration, which seeks to provide for a State Police Service and related matters.

However, he cautioned that unclear responsibilities or unequal powers between federal and state police structures could create an imbalance in the country’s security framework.

Beyond state policing, Obasa called for the establishment of parliamentary police to protect legislative institutions and safeguard their independence.

He cited previous incidents in which state legislative complexes were allegedly demolished or locked at the instance of governors, arguing that dedicated security arrangements could help prevent similar occurrences.

According to him, protecting lawmakers and legislative facilities would strengthen democratic institutions and reduce the risk of executive interference in legislative affairs.

Obasa maintained that an independent legislature was essential to democratic governance and called for appropriate constitutional safeguards to protect its operations.

Following the deliberations, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Adenike Oshinowo, to formally communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly.

The endorsement forms part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, which requires state legislatures to consider the proposed changes.

The Lagos Assembly’s position supports the introduction of state police while emphasising that the final constitutional framework should provide clear lines of authority, adequate state control and safeguards against conflicts between federal and state policing institutions.

The proposal remains subject to the completion of the constitutional amendment process before state police can be formally established.