The Lagos State House of Assembly has called upon the National Assembly to reconsider the 1999 Constitution in order to permit the establishment of state police forces, aiming to address the prevailing security issues in the country.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, addressing the initial plenary session, emphasized the need to amend the existing constitution to provide a legal framework for the implementation of state police as a means to combat insecurity.
“There is need for the National Assembly, to commence amendment of the Constitution to give room for ‘each’ state to establish its own police to address challenges of insecurity,” he said.
He urged the governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to further equip the Neighbourhood Security Corps to enhance security in the state.
The lawmaker, representing Eti-Osa Consituency, Gbolahan Yishawu, commended the Speaker for bringing up the issue of state policing again, saying: “We remember very well that it was you that sponsored the bill on Neighbourhood Safety Corps and we see what it has done for the state and how other states are emulating it.”
Other legislators expressed their support for the proposal and raised concerns about the insufficient number of police personnel in Lagos. They also emphasized the need for nationwide police reform.
Furthermore, the lawmakers argued that the establishment of state police forces would have a positive impact on employment opportunities across the country.
