The Lagos State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution urging the National Assembly to promptly initiate a constitutional amendment facilitating the establishment of state police, citing escalating kidnapping incidents and other security challenges in Nigeria.
During a plenary session chaired by Speaker Mr. Mudashiru Obasa on Monday, the House additionally advocated for the effective outfitting of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps to bolster support for existing security agencies in Lagos State.
Drawing attention to a recent kidnapping incident in the Ikorodu, Obasa underscored the persistent advocacy by the House for the implementation of state police, stressing the strain on the country’s security apparatus.
The Speaker allayed concerns about the potential misuse of state police powers by governors, emphasizing the need for legislation to prevent abuse.
Obasa urged the state government to allocate a specific percentage of the Security Trust Fund towards strengthening the local security corps.
He also underscored the importance of addressing underlying factors contributing to insecurity through effective youth engagement strategies, such as sports programs.