Reps Move To Revolutionise Police Force With Mandatory 15% Female Recruitment

According to Ireporter Online, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to tackling long-standing barriers limiting women’s recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force. The Speaker, alongside the Ministry of Police Affairs, emphasized the need to amend the Police Act to create wider opportunities for women seeking careers in policing and to strengthen justice delivery nationwide.

Speaking at a public hearing on a Bill seeking to amend the Police Act, 2020, and mandate at least 15 per cent recruitment of women into the force, Abbas explained that the proposed legislation would compel the police to adopt a gender-responsive compliance framework covering recruitment, training, posting, disciplinary measures, and career advancement. The draft law also recommends establishing a dedicated monitoring unit to track compliance and ensure full implementation.

Abbas described the Bill as a crucial step toward fairness and institutional reform, noting that the Nigeria Police Force has for decades operated with minimal female representation, especially in leadership roles. He stressed that this imbalance has denied the institution valuable perspectives, empathy, and approaches that female officers often bring to policing and community engagement.

He added that global research has repeatedly shown that police organisations with stronger female inclusion record fewer instances of excessive force, perform better in responding to gender-based violence, and generally earn higher levels of public trust. Abbas stated that the amendment aligns with constitutional principles as well as Nigeria’s international commitments under CEDAW and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.

The Speaker noted, however, that legislation alone cannot drive reform without effective enforcement and monitoring. He stressed that the creation of a compliance unit within the NPF would be vital in ensuring that the proposed gender-responsive policies translate into measurable progress.

Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Makki Yalleman, echoed the Speaker’s position, saying the amendment aims to increase female recruitment to at least 15 per cent while creating an enabling environment for women to thrive within the force. He pointed out that more female officers would improve the handling of crimes that disproportionately affect women, including domestic violence and sexual assault, as victims typically feel more comfortable confiding in female personnel.

Yalleman stressed that boosting female representation would also inspire younger women to pursue policing careers and reinforce a culture of inclusion within the security sector. He acknowledged that cultural and societal biases continue to hinder women’s entry into the force, but said targeted outreach and mentorship initiatives can help change perceptions and encourage more participation.

He noted that the Bill seeks to prioritise women’s recruitment, promotion, and workplace safety, as well as provide specialised training to strengthen their capacity and enhance professional performance.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anyma Ogbonnaya Nlia, represented by an officer from the Legal Unit, expressed the ministry’s full support for the amendment. He said the legislation would tackle multiple issues affecting women’s enlistment and career growth within the NPF. He explained that the Bill would obligate the police to adopt a comprehensive gender-responsive compliance programme covering recruitment, training, marital policies, posting, discipline, and related matters.

Nlia called for amending Section 9(1F) of the Police Act, 2020, to eliminate discriminatory provisions and address historical gender gaps within the police force. He described the Bill as a significant step toward transforming the police system, adding that the ministry had already begun drafting regulations to remove gender-based restrictions, including those related to marital status, pregnancy, and dress codes.

He also noted that new measures being considered include integrating the NPF gender policy into routine operations, introducing maternity leave and equitable posting policies, and establishing grievance channels backed by independent oversight. Plans also involve restructuring the office of the Inspector General of Police to include units focused on human rights, internal affairs, and the protection of women and children.

Nlia emphasised that the proposed amendment would provide the legal foundation required to enforce these reforms effectively and ensure seamless implementation across the police structure.