New policing structure to prioritise human rights, transparency – Bamidele

The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed that the National Assembly has begun work on a decentralised policing framework designed to emphasise accountability and curb abuse by the political class.

​Bamidele, who also serves as vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said the parliament “is committed to crafting a framework for a decentralised police model that will serve the interests of all, regardless of status.”

Read also: Disu pushes human rights, efficiency, unveils new policing strategy 

​Legislative priority on security

​He made the remarks in a statement issued to mark the 74th birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while commending the administration’s efforts to strengthen security and stabilise the country.

​Amid persistent security challenges, stakeholders have intensified calls for a decentralised policing structure that reflects Nigeria’s federal character and enhances the protection of lives and property nationwide. While President Tinubu has publicly backed the initiative, the Nigeria Police Force has also submitted a 75-page framework to Jibrin Barau, the deputy senate president, for legislative consideration.

​Accountability and human rights

​Bamidele praised the president for fostering collaboration with the National Assembly to address insecurity, noting that Tinubu has adopted non-traditional approaches to tackle the root causes of extremism, terrorism, and violent attacks. He observed that Tinubu “has already lent his voice to the creation of a decentralised police model as part of efforts to safeguard lives, private property, and public infrastructure across the federation.”

​According to the Senate leader, the proposed model seeks to devolve policing powers to sub-national authorities to ensure effective governance, even in the most remote parts of the country. “This is one request that the National Assembly has been treating with priority,” he said.

​Safeguards against political abuse

​The proposed framework will incorporate accountability mechanisms to prevent the abuse of power by the political class, strengthen the administration of justice, discourage impunity, and establish safeguards for the protection of fundamental human rights. Bamidele assured Nigerians that the framework would align with global best practices and reinforce transparency in policing.

​”All these initiatives are at the core of the shared conviction between the presidency and the National Assembly to secure Nigeria more effectively,” he said. Reflecting on Tinubu’s leadership at 74, Bamidele highlighted the president’s commitment to national development, noting that his reforms are beginning to yield positive results.

Read also: Justice Minister opposes human rights protection bill

​Bamidele described Tinubu as “a man of history, purpose and vision,” saying his policies are laying the foundation for long-term prosperity. He credited the administration’s macroeconomic reforms with strengthening the naira and boosting foreign reserves from $35.09bn in May 2023 to $50.02bn in March 2026.

​He further referenced the Tax Reform Acts, 2025, noting that the measures have significantly improved Nigeria’s fiscal framework, enhanced tax administration, and increased statutory allocations to sub-national governments. According to Bamidele, the reforms have helped the country avert a deepening liquidity crisis and positioned the economy for sustainable growth.