State police will not work effectively unless we remove federal control – Obasa
LAGOS, Nigeria — Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, asserted Tuesday that the effectiveness of state police is hindered by federal control and called for its removal. Speaking during a plenary session, Obasa emphasized that any constitutional measures retaining federal oversight over state policing would undermine the intended reforms.
He argued that establishing state police is essential for decentralizing Nigeria’s security architecture and enabling states to better manage their security systems. Obasa expressed concerns regarding the proposed constitutional amendment, stating it does not adequately address significant issues related to operational control, which he believes continues to concentrate power at the federal level.
“True federalism requires states to have full authority over the management of their security systems,” he said.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has formally endorsed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sixth Alteration Bill 2026, which was transmitted to state assemblies by the Clerk of the National Assembly for ratification, pursuant to Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
While Obasa acknowledged that the amendment represents progress, he raised concerns that the interests of state assemblies have not been sufficiently considered. He noted, “We are pleased to see the introduction of state police; however, our interests and positions have not been well addressed in this alteration. The major control still lies at the center.”
He pointed out a specific provision stating that in the event of a conflict between the State Assembly and the National Assembly, federal law prevails. “It is still a step forward,” he added, expressing hope for future amendments that would provide states with greater control.
