By ADEPOTE AROWOOBE

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday endorsed the establishment of state police, urging nationwide constitutional reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Lawmakers also called on the 36 State Houses of Assembly to expedite consideration and approval of the Constitution Alteration Bill on state policing.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled, ‘Support for the Establishment of State Police in Nigeria,’ moved by Majority Leader, Noheem Adams.

Adams said the proposed legislation aligned with Federal Government efforts to decentralise policing, strengthen security architecture and better protect lives and property nationwide.

“Lagos Assembly had consistently supported the establishment of state police to enhance community policing and address the country’s growing security challenges,” Adams said.

He noted Nigeria’s police-to-population ratio of about one officer to 600 people limited effective policing and reinforced the need for a decentralised policing system.

He said state police would improve local intelligence gathering, faster responses and more effective security operations within communities.

Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, said ongoing security measures had strengthened efforts against kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.

Obasa argued that state governments should administer their police services, including recruitment, appointments, promotions, discipline and operational responsibilities.

He proposed that governors should appoint Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by their respective State Houses of Assembly.

Lawmakers contributing to the debate unanimously supported the motion, describing state policing as essential for constitutional reforms and improved national security.

They said decentralising policing would strengthen community-based law enforcement, improve protection of lives and property and enhance public confidence in security institutions.

The House unanimously adopted the motion, reaffirming its support for state police as a practical solution to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. (NAN)