Nigeria’s House of Representatives is moving to boost the role of women in the Nigeria Police Force, framing the initiative as a step toward fairness, justice, and more effective policing.
Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas emphasized that the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act seeks not only to mandate at least 15 per cent female recruitment but also to implement gender-responsive policies across the Force.
At a public hearing on Monday in Abuja, Abbas highlighted that women have long been underrepresented, particularly in leadership positions, which has limited opportunities for qualified officers and weakened institutional performance. “Increasing the participation of women in the Force strengthens professionalism, accountability, and the overall quality of policing in Nigeria”, he said.
Represented by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, the Speaker cited global research showing that police forces with higher female participation handle gender-based violence more effectively, use force judiciously, and earn greater public trust. He also linked the amendment to Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international commitments, including CEDAW and the UN Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality.
“This bill establishes a dedicated unit to track compliance with gender policies, ensuring that reforms translate into measurable outcomes,” Abbas added.
Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Makki Abubakar Yalleman, said the measure is crucial to improving policing outcomes, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, and crimes affecting women and children.
The Ministry of Police Affairs, represented by Okorie Kalu, described the initiative as “commendable and overdue”, noting that regulations are being drafted to remove discriminatory enlistment criteria and improve training, duty assignments, maternity leave, postings, and the establishment of a Women and Children Protection Centre under the Inspector General of Police.
By creating a legal framework and gender-friendly policies, the House says it aims to ensure that women can thrive in the Police Force, ultimately strengthening law enforcement and public trust across Nigeria.
About the Author
