The Leader of the Senate, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, has officially confirmed that the National Assembly is actively developing a legislative framework for the creation of a decentralized police force.
In a statement released yesterday, Senator Bamidele emphasized that the proposed shift toward state policing is designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges while reflecting the country’s federal character. He assured the public that the new model will include rigorous “guardrails” to prevent the force from being weaponized by the political class.
The National Assembly is currently reviewing a comprehensive 75-page proposal submitted by the Nigeria Police Force to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin. Core objectives of the legislation include:
Devolution of Power: Shifting policing authority to sub-national levels to ensure effective governance in remote areas.
Accountability Mechanisms: Implementing checks and balances to discourage impunity and protect fundamental human rights.
Modernization: Aligning Nigerian policing with global best practices and reinforced justice administration.
“The parliament is committed to drafting a framework for a decentralized police model that will serve the interests of all regardless of their status,” Senator Bamidele stated.
The Senate Leader lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his open support of the decentralized model, noting that the Presidency and the National Assembly are working in lockstep to move beyond traditional security approaches. Bamidele credited the President’s “diverse initiatives” for seeking to address the root causes of extremism and armed attacks.
The announcement coincided with a tribute to President Tinubu on his 74th birthday, with Bamidele praising the President’s dedication to national stability and his willingness to embrace structural reforms to secure lives and property.
Senator Bamidele concluded by assuring Nigerians that the legislative process will prioritize the preservation of civil liberties. By incorporating strict accountability measures, the National Assembly aims to ensure that a decentralized police force enhances safety without compromising the democratic rights of citizens.
