Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has revealed that the National Assembly is working on a decentralised policing framework aimed at strengthening accountability and preventing misuse by political actors.
Bamidele, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, explained that the proposed model would devolve policing powers to sub-national authorities while ensuring transparency, justice, and protection of fundamental human rights.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 74th birthday, Bamidele commended the Tinubu administration for efforts to stabilise the country and tackle insecurity. He reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to crafting a policing structure “that will serve the interests of all, regardless of status.”
The Senate Leader noted that the initiative is a priority amid calls for security sector reforms and is in line with long-standing demands for state policing to reflect Nigeria’s federal character and improve local responses to security threats.
He confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has submitted a 75-page framework to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin for legislative consideration. According to Bamidele, the model will incorporate strict accountability mechanisms to check abuse, discourage impunity, reinforce the administration of justice, and safeguard citizens’ rights.
“The essence of this model is to devolve policing powers to sub-national authorities with a view to ensuring effective governance even in the remotest parts of the country,” he said, adding that it will also set “clear guardrails to prevent misuse by political actors.”
Bamidele described the initiative as a shared commitment between the Presidency and the National Assembly to adopt global best practices in securing Nigeria. He lauded President Tinubu as “a man of history, purpose and vision,” noting that his reforms, though initially challenging, are beginning to yield positive results, particularly in decentralised governance, economic reforms, and security management.
“At 74, the President has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the unity, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria,” Bamidele said, highlighting achievements in strengthening foreign reserves, fiscal restructuring, and governance at sub-national levels.
