A civil society organisation, The Renewal Group , has raised concerns over what it described as deteriorating policing standards in Lagos State, warning that the situation could become an embarrassment if not urgently addressed.
TRG Convener, Lai Omotola, raised the concern during an inaugural press conference held in Maryland, Lagos, on Thursday.
Omotola outlined the organisation’s position on law enforcement and governance in the state.
He said TRG, a non-aligned political pressure group, aims to leverage politics and public office holders as tools for transformational development, with its immediate focus on policing in Lagos.
He traced the historical evolution of the Nigerian Police, noting that the force was originally structured after the British policing system, but suffered setbacks during years of military rule, which, according to him, weakened its operational capacity through inadequate funding and support.
Omotola added that attempts at reform were made during the civilian administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, including efforts to make the police more citizen-friendly.
Emphasising the importance of law enforcement, the Convener said no nation can achieve meaningful development without a functional and effective police system, describing policing as a noble profession that must be upheld.
The TRG convener, however, alleged that the decline in policing in Nigeria has been both self-inflicted and politically motivated, claiming that some politicians undermine the force for personal interests, particularly during election periods.
Focusing on Lagos, Omotola described the state as Africa’s commercial hub and a critical driver of national and regional development, stressing that its status demands a high standard of law and order.
He expressed concern that policing in the state is “gradually turning into an embarrassment and a nightmare,” alleging lapses under the current leadership.
Omotola disclosed that the group has written to President Bola Tinubu, calling for the establishment of a panel of enquiry to investigate policing practices in Lagos State.
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He noted that while some critics have dismissed the group’s claims, TRG is prepared to present evidence to substantiate its allegations.
Citing a recent viral video involving the Lagos State Taskforce, Omotola questioned the methods of enforcement adopted by the agency.
He argued that traffic-related enforcement should primarily be handled by appropriate bodies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), especially given the availability of surveillance technology on major roads.
He further criticised the Taskforce for allegedly neglecting its core environmental responsibilities, pointing to the reintroduction of monthly sanitation exercises as evidence of lapses in environmental management.
The group called for urgent reforms and accountability in policing and enforcement agencies in Lagos to restore public confidence and ensure the state maintains its reputation as the “Centre of Excellence.”
