House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has said the National Assembly is poised to address the challenges women face in their efforts to join the Nigeria Police Force.
The Speaker and the Ministry of Police Affairs said it has become imperative to amend the Police Act so that more women could be recruited into the force.
They noted that having more women in the force would fast-track the dispensation of justice.
Speaking at a public hearing on a Bill to amend the Police Act, 2020, and provide for 15 per cent recruitment of women into the police force, the Speaker said the proposed law mandates the Nigeria Police Force to establish and maintain a gender-responsive compliance programme that addresses key aspects of policing, such as recruitment, training, posting, discipline, and career progression.
Additionally, he said the Bill provides for the creation of a monitoring unit to keep accurate record of the integration process and ensure adherence to these provisions.
Abbas noted that the Bill speaks to justice, fairness, and the recognition that effective policing must draw strength from diversity.
He said: “For too long, the Nigeria Police Force has operated with a disproportionately low representation of women, particularly in its leadership structure.
“This has not only limited opportunities for many capable women but also deprived the institution of the unique perspective and empathy that female officers bring to law enforcement and community relations.
“By increasing the participation of women in the force, we are not merely advancing the cause of gender equality; we are enhancing professionalism, deepening accountability, and improving the overall quality of policing in Nigeria.
“Research consistently shows that police institutions with stronger female representation record fewer incidents of excessive force, handle cases of gender-based violence more effectively, and generally enjoy greater public trust.
“This amendment, therefore, aligns with the spirit and intent of our Constitution, as well as Nigeria’s international commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which emphasises gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“It also reinforces our constitutional mandate as legislators to ensure that public institutions embody the principles of equity, justice, and good governance.
“However, it is obvious that legislation alone will not lead to the achievement of these goals. A way must be found to enforce implementation and sustained monitoring. To this end, this Bill provides for the establishment of a dedicated unit within the Nigeria Police Force to maintain records and assess compliance with gender-responsive policies.
“This will ensure that our good intentions are translated into measurable action and tangible results.
“Our goal is having a police force that mirrors the diversity of our nation, upholds fairness, and delivers justice without bias or discrimination.”
The Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Makki Yalleman, averred that the proposed amendment seeks to increase the recruitment of women into the force by at least 15 per cent and ensure a gender-friendly ambience for women to thrive in the system.
Yalleman noted that having more women in the force would enhance the effectiveness of the law enforcement agencies in addressing crimes that affect women disproportionately, such as domestic violence and sexual assault.
The lawmaker said women officers are often better equipped to handle these sensitive cases, providing a safe and supportive environment for victims to report incidents.
He added that increasing the number of women in the NPF would help to promote a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the system, thus helping to set an example for ladies.
Yalleman said this would show them that they too can pursue careers in law enforcement and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and across the country.
He said: “We are aware that certain societal and cultural biases act as barriers to entry into the Force for women. This can be corrected through targeted outreach programmes and mentorship initiatives that will portray the Force in a good light.
“This amendment will prioritise the recruitment, promotion, and creation of friendly working environment for women. it will provide training schemes for women that will equip them with the requisite skills and knowledge they need to excel in the job.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anyma Ogbonnaya Nlia, announced the ministry’s support for the Bill.
He said it would help to address a lot of issues that affect women recruitment into the police force.
Represented by an officer from the ministry’s Legal Unit, Okorie Kalu, the permanent secretary noted that the proposed law would require the NPF to provide and maintain a genuine responsive compliance programme in the recruitment, training, marital status, posting, and discipline of police officers.
He said the proposed law would also ensure the establishment of a unit that would monitor and maintain the records of gender response compliance programme and for related matters.
Nlia sought the amendment of Section 9, subsection 1F of the Police Act 2020 by inserting provisions that would address gender historical gaps and discriminatory provisions affecting women in the police force.
The permanent secretary described the proposed amendment as a step towards revolutionising the NPF, adding that the ministry had no objection to the amendment.
He said: “The ministry has begun the process of making regulations to address gender issues in police force, particularly in the aspect of elimination of gender-based enlistment criteria, such as restrictions on marital status and pregnancy, removal of discriminatory duties assignment, duty assignment and dress code limitations.
“Integration of the NPF gender policy to ensure routine compliance; introduction of maternity leave, religious accommodation, and equitable posting policies; establishment of grievance and complaint mechanisms with oversight; reorganisation of the IGP’s office to include human rights, internal affairs, and women and Children’s Protection Centre.
“The amendment of the principal Act to include gender responsive provisions will be a life wire for the intended regulations to flow and be implemented seamlessly.”
