On Tuesday, the National Assembly passed the Police Act Amendment Bill, marking a significant change in the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). This bill, forwarded by President Bola Tinubu, aims to ensure that a person appointed to the office of IGP remains in office until the end of the term specified in their appointment letter, regardless of age or length of service.
The amendment seeks to address issues of accountability, modernize policing methods, and foster better relationships between the police and the community. By guaranteeing the tenure of the IGP, the bill aims to provide stability within the police force, which is crucial for implementing long-term reforms.
The bill, known as the Act to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020, was swiftly considered and passed. It scaled through the second and third readings in both the House of Representatives and the Senate on the same day.
This expeditious process reflects the urgency and importance that lawmakers attached to the proposed amendments. The upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly passed the bill in separate sittings, demonstrating a unified commitment to reforming the police force.
President Tinubu is now expected to sign the bill into law, thereby formalizing the changes. This legislative move comes amid ongoing discussions about the tenure and retirement age of police officers, particularly the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Egbetokun was appointed as IGP in June 2023, with a four-year tenure outlined in his appointment. However, under the existing Police Act 2020, he is required to retire in September 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. This would result in his tenure being cut short to just one year and three months, leaving nearly three years of his appointed term unfulfilled.
This discrepancy has sparked controversy, as it did with Egbetokun’s predecessor, Usman Baba. Baba, who turned 60 in March 2023 and completed 35 years of service, remained in office until Tinubu appointed Egbetokun three months later. This situation highlighted the inconsistencies and challenges within the current framework governing the tenure of the IGP.
Earlier in July, the police force publicly denied claims that IGP Egbetokun had lobbied the National Assembly to pass a bill increasing the retirement age for officers. This denial was crucial in maintaining the integrity and independence of the legislative process regarding police reforms.
The amendment to the Police Act is seen as a step towards eliminating such ambiguities and ensuring that the IGP can effectively carry out their duties without the looming uncertainty of premature retirement. By allowing the IGP to serve the full term stipulated in their appointment letter, the amendment aims to promote continuity and stability within the police leadership.
This change is also expected to have broader implications for police operations and governance. A secure and defined tenure for the IGP can enhance accountability and allow for more consistent implementation of policies and reforms. It can also help build trust within the police force and between the police and the communities they serve.
The passage of the Police Act Amendment Bill reflects a broader commitment to police reform in Nigeria. It underscores the recognition of the need for a stable and effective police leadership to address the myriad challenges facing the country’s security apparatus. As the bill awaits the President’s signature, its potential impact on the future of policing in Nigeria is a topic of significant interest and importance.
By addressing the tenure of the IGP, the amendment not only resolves current controversies but also sets a precedent for future appointments. It ensures that appointed IGPs can fully implement their vision and strategies for improving the police force, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.
The National Assembly’s proactive approach in passing this bill demonstrates a dedication to ensuring that the police force operates under clear and fair guidelines. As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, such legislative measures are crucial for building a more effective and responsive police service.
