The Nigerian Senate has begun legislative work on establishing state police, assuring that the proposed decentralized policing system will include robust safeguards to prevent political abuse.
Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed this on Sunday, noting that the National Assembly is prioritizing a model that promotes accountability while enhancing internal security across the federation. Speaking in a congratulatory message for President Bola Tinubu’s 74th birthday in Abuja, Bamidele also commended the administration’s efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s security framework. He stated that the parliament “is committed to crafting a framework for a decentralized police model that will serve the interests of all, regardless of status.”
The initiative responds to growing calls for a policing system that reflects Nigeria’s federal structure and better protects lives and property, especially in rural and underserved communities. President Tinubu has endorsed the proposal, while the Nigeria Police has submitted a 75-page framework on state policing to the Deputy Senate President for lawmakers’ consideration.
Bamidele explained that the model aims to devolve policing powers to sub-national authorities to ensure effective governance, even in remote areas. “The framework will be anchored on accountability and global best practices to prevent misuse of security apparatus by political elites,” he added. He emphasized that the plan integrates mechanisms to curb abuse of power, strengthen the justice system, discourage impunity, and safeguard human rights.
The proposed structure includes a phased 60-month implementation plan. Constitutional amendments are expected in the first year, followed by redistribution of personnel, with approximately 60% of officers deployed to state commands and 40% retained under federal control. The system envisions a two-tier police arrangement: Federal Police handling national security, interstate crimes, and federal assets, while state police manage local offences such as armed robbery, homicide, domestic violence, and community intelligence.
Highlighting Tinubu’s leadership at 74, Bamidele credited the President with advancing reforms in economic stability and national cohesion. He cited macroeconomic measures that strengthened the naira, raised foreign reserves from $35.09bn in May 2023 to $50.02bn in March 2026, and attracted increased foreign capital. He also noted the 2025 Tax Reform Acts, which boosted statutory transfers to subnational governments, improved the business environment, and enhanced fiscal administration across all levels.
