The Ministry of Police Affairs, has thrown its weight behind the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act, seeking to guarantee at least 15 percent female representation in police recruitment and reforming gender-related policies in the force.
Head of legal unit in the ministry, Okorie Kalu gave this indication at the public hearing on the Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, organised by House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs on Monday.
Kalu said the ministry is already initiating 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.
Kalu said other measures taken by the ministry in this regard, include: “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 center.”
He also called for dedicated budgetary allocations for gender programmes, continuous training of police officers on gender issues, and improved monitoring through the ministry’s planning, research and statistics department.
In his remarks, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, said increasing 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.
Represented by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi from Delta state, said the force has operated for too long with a disproportionately low number of women, especially in leadership positions, limiting opportunities for qualified women and weakening the institution.
“At its core, this Bill speaks to justice, fairness, and the recognition that effective policing must draw strength from diversity. 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.
“This bill provides for the establishment of a dedicated unit within the police to maintain records and assess compliance with gender-responsive policies,” he said. “This will ensure that our good intentions are translated into measurable action and tangible results.
“With this amendment, we take a bold step toward building a Police Force that enforces the law and advances the values of justice, equality, and respect for human dignity,” he stated.
The committee’s chairman, Hon. Makki Yalleman, said, increasing female representation is not symbolic but necessary to strengthen policing outcomes, particularly in handling cases such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes where women and children are disproportionately affected.
“This Bill seeks to increase the recruitment of women into the Police by at least 15 percent and provide a gender-friendly environment for them to thrive.
“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,”he added.
