Lagos Assembly Demands State Police Powers and Moves to Criminalise Street Begging

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday renewed its call for a fully autonomous state police and pushed ahead with legislation to outlaw street begging across the state.

During plenary, lawmakers urged other state assemblies to fast-track the constitutional amendment for state policing, saying it is central to addressing insecurity. At the same sitting, they passed for second reading a bill seeking to ban street begging, street urchins and related vices in Lagos.

Presiding over the session, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa described state police as the most workable response to the country’s security crisis, from kidnapping to banditry and violent crime. He insisted that states must be constitutionally empowered to recruit, vet and appoint their own officers who understand the peculiar challenges of their communities.

According to Obasa, the Federal Government’s involvement should be clearly defined by law and restricted to matters that pose a threat to national security. He backed proposals for governors to nominate state commissioners of police with confirmation by state assemblies, and said the same legislative oversight should apply to area and zonal commanders.

He brushed aside concerns that governors could misuse state police for political ends. “Similar concerns have always existed regarding the Nigeria Police Force under the Federal Government, yet the institution continues to function. We must not allow such fears to weaken a reform whose primary objective is the protection of lives and property,” he said.

Obasa also applauded President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly and other actors for progressing the amendment, calling it a critical milestone in decentralising policing.

Leading the motion, Stephen Ogundipe noted that Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution currently recognises only the Nigeria Police Force. He argued that the ongoing constitutional review offers the chance to embed state police within broader security reforms. Other members agreed, saying Lagos has consistently advocated community policing and more state control over internal security.

On street begging, the House advanced A Bill for a Law to Prohibit Street Begging, Street Urchins and Related Vices in Lagos State and for Connected Purposes. Lawmakers said the proposal is necessary because criminal elements now hide under begging to commit theft and robbery, especially in traffic and busy public areas.

Contributing, Desmond Elliot warned against criminalising poverty and called for a humane approach. He proposed rehabilitation centres where those removed from the streets can access care and support, and said state police would make enforcement easier.

Deputy Chief Whip David Setonji said poor enforcement has weakened previous laws and suggested that the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps be included among agencies to implement the new law. Bonu Solomon added that the bill should target both adult and child begging, and also those who encourage it through indiscriminate giving.

Majority Leader Noheem Adams said the timing is right, pointing out that some northern states and the FCT already operate similar laws.

Obasa clarified that the intent is not to stop charity but to regulate it. He cautioned that criminals increasingly pose as beggars at night and in traffic, putting motorists and pedestrians at risk, and condemned the exploitation of women and children for begging.

“Government should establish dedicated institutions where members of the public can channel their donations while those removed from the streets receive rehabilitation, welfare support and opportunities for reintegration,” he said. He added that curbing random almsgiving would reduce organised begging. “If there is no giver, there will be no beggar.”

While acknowledging enforcement challenges, the Speaker said the absence of structures should not prevent the state from legislating. He urged government to create holding and rehabilitation centres across Lagos. The bill was referred to the Committee on Youth and Social Development, with a mandate to report back in two weeks.