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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, which seeks to ensure that women make up at least 15 per cent of all new police recruits. The amendment also aims to overhaul gender-related policies across the Force.

Under the proposal, the Police would be required to implement a gender-responsive framework covering recruitment, training, deployment, disciplinary procedures, and marital considerations. It would also establish a dedicated unit responsible for monitoring compliance with these standards.

Speaking at the hearing, the Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Rep. Makki Abubakar Yalleman, stressed that women are indispensable to effective policing and must no longer be relegated to the margins of the Nigeria Police Force.

Yalleman noted that boosting female participation is not merely a symbolic gesture but a practical necessity. He emphasised that women officers are particularly vital in dealing with cases such as domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other offences where women and children are often the most vulnerable.

“The proposed amendment seeks to increase the recruitment of women into the force on at least 15% and to also provide a gender-friendly ambience for women to thrive in the system. This move is a welcome development as it falls in line with Legislative Agender of the 10th Assembly which seeks to promote gender equality and empower women.

“The benefits of having more women in the force cannot be overemphasised as it enhances the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in addressing crimes that affect women disproportionately such as domestic violence and sexual assault. Women officers are often better equipped to handle these sensitive cases, providing a safe and supportive environment for victims to report incidents.

“Furthermore, increasing the number of women in the Police Force will help to promote a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the system, thus helping to set an example for young ladies, showing them that they too can pursue careers in law enforcement and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities in particular and the nation in general.

“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 programs 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”, he stated.

At the hearing, the Ministry of Police Affairs was represented by Okorie Kalu from its Legal Unit, he expressed full support for the amendment and described the initiative as “commendable and overdue”, he noted that the ministry has already begun drafting regulations to eliminate discriminatory enlistment criteria, including restrictions linked to pregnancy and marital status.

Kalu said the Ministry was working on policies to ensure equitable training, duty assignment, dressing guidelines, maternity leave, fair postings, and the establishment of a Women and Children Protection Centre under the Inspector General of Police.

He noted that the amendment would serve as a legal backbone for sustainable reform, but emphasized that proper funding and officer training must accompany the policy shift.

“The amendment of Section 9 (1)(F) of the Police Act to address historical gender gaps and discriminatory provisions is an applaudable step in revolutionizing the Nigeria Police Force. The Ministry has no objection to the amendment”,  he said.

He disclosed that the Ministry has already begun drafting new regulations to eliminate discriminatory enlistment criteria such as restrictions based on marital status and pregnancy, and to remove gender-based duty assignments and dress code limitations.

“Other reform measures initiated by the Ministry include: Integration of the NPF Gender Policy into routine police procedures; Introduction of maternity leave and religious accommodation provisions; Equitable posting policies; Establishment of grievance and complaint mechanisms with oversight; and Reorganization of the IGP’s office to include a Women and Children’s Protection Centre, as well as human rights and internal affairs units”, he added.

In his opening remarks,  Speaker  Tajudeen Abbas, said  raising the number of women in the Nigeria Police Force is not just a gender issue but a matter of justice, fairness, and improved policing outcomes.

Speaker Abbas, who was represented by Rep. Nnamdi Ezechi, said the Police Force has operated for too long with a disproportionately low number of women, especially in leadership positions.

According to him, the situation has limited opportunities for qualified women and weakened the institution.

“Today’s gathering represents another crucial step in our collective strive to reform and modernize our policing system so that it becomes more inclusive, equitable, and truly reflective of the society it serves.

“The Bill before us seeks to amend the Nigeria Police Act No. 2 of 2020 in order to guarantee a minimum of fifteen percent women representation in the recruitment of police officers. It further 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, it provides for the creation of a monitoring unit to keep accurate record of the integration process and ensure adherence to these provisions.

“At its core, this Bill speaks to justice, fairness, and the recognition that effective policing must draw strength from diversity. 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 show 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 emphasizes 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, and 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”, he said.

The public hearing drew participation from women’s rights advocates, security experts, civil society groups, and senior police officers, many of whom described the Bill as a necessary step to modernize the country’s policing system.

The Committee is expected to consider stakeholder submissions before presenting its final recommendations to the House.