Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have endorsed the establishment of state police in Nigeria, urging all 36 State Houses of Assembly to expedite consideration and approval of the Constitution Alteration Bill on state policing in the national interest.
The lawmakers expressed their support during Wednesday’s plenary after the Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, moved a motion titled “Support for the Establishment of State Police in Nigeria.”
Moving the motion, Adams said the proposed legislation aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to decentralise policing in order to tackle insecurity more effectively, strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, and improve the protection of lives and property across the country.
He noted that the Lagos Assembly has consistently supported the creation of state police as a means of enhancing community policing and addressing the growing security challenges facing the federation.
Adams also highlighted the country’s inadequate policing capacity, stating that Nigeria has an average of one police officer to about 600 people, a ratio he said has hampered effective law enforcement nationwide.
Supporting the motion, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said establishing state police would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and boost efforts to combat kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
Obasa argued that state governments should have full authority over the administration of their police services, including recruitment, appointments, promotions and operational matters. He 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 also backed the motion and commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to constitutional reforms aimed at decentralising policing, strengthening national security and improving the protection of lives and property across Nigeria.
