Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said the parliament is committed to tackling the barriers limiting women from joining the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking on Monday at a public hearing on a bill to amend the Police Act, Tajudeen said the proposed amendments—championed by the House and the Ministry of Police Affairs—seek to increase the recruitment quota for women to 15 percent.
He added that this step would strengthen justice delivery and improve the effectiveness of policing nationwide.
According to him, the bill mandates the Nigeria Police Force to establish and implement a gender-responsive compliance programme covering recruitment, training, posting, discipline and career progression.
The legislation also provides for the creation of a monitoring unit to keep accurate records of the integration process and ensure strict adherence to the new provisions.
Tajudeen noted that the bill reflects “justice, fairness, and the recognition that effective policing must draw strength from diversity,” stressing that the police have operated for too long with disproportionately low female representation, especially within 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, 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.
“Our goal is a Police Force that mirrors the diversity of our nation, upholds fairness, and delivers justice without bias or discrimination”.
Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Makki Yalleman, said the proposed amendment seeks to increase the recruitment of women into the force by at least 15%, while providing a gender-friendly ambience for women to thrive in the system.
Yalleman said the benefits of having more women in the force will enhance the effectiveness of the law enforcement agencies in addressing crimes that affect women disproportionately, such as domestic violence and sexual assault, saying women officers are often better equipped to handle these sensitive cases, providing a safe and supportive environment for victims to report incidents.
He said that increasing the number of women in the Police Force will help 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.
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 programs and mentorship initiatives that will portray the Force in a good light.
“This amendment will prioritise the recruitment, promotion and creation of a 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.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anyma Ogbonnaya Nlia said the ministry was in full support of the bill as it will help address a lot of issues that affect women recruitment into the police force.
Represented by an officer from the legal unit of the Ministry, Okorie Kalu, the Permanent Secretary said the proposed law will require the Nigerian police force to provide and maintain, genuine responsive compliance program in the recruitment, training, marital status, posting, and discipline of police officers.
He said the law will also ensure the establishment of a unit to monitor and maintain the records of the gender response compliance program and for related matters. Number two, adding that the amendment of section 9, subsection 1F of the Police Act 2020, by inserting provisions that will address gender historical gaps and discriminatory provisions affecting women in the police force, is a step in revolutionising the Nigerian police force, against which the ministry has no objection to the amendment.
He said, “The ministry has begun the process of making regulations to address gender issues in the 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 lifeline for the intended regulations to flow and be implemented seamlessly”.
