The House of Representatives is pushing amendments to the Police Act that would expand opportunities for women to join and advance within the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking at a public hearing in Abuja on Monday, Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House, said the proposed legislation would require the Police to recruit no fewer than 15 per cent women in each intake. He said the reform is designed to address decades of gender imbalance within the force.
Abbas said the bill compels the Nigeria Police Force to operate a “gender-responsive compliance programme” that will oversee recruitment, training, posting, discipline and career progression. He added that a new monitoring unit would maintain official records and ensure that the rules are followed.
Calling the proposal a question of fairness and effective security administration, the Speaker said the police have operated for too long with “disproportionately low female representation, particularly at leadership level,” a situation he argued has deprived the institution of essential perspectives.
According to him, “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.”
He said increasing women’s participation is not merely an exercise in representation but a strategic reform that will “enhance professionalism, deepen accountability, and improve the overall quality of policing in Nigeria.”
Abbas cited evidence that police forces with stronger female presence record fewer incidents of excessive force and respond more effectively to gender-based violence, adding that such organisations generally enjoy greater trust from citizens.
He, however cautioned that “legislation alone will not lead to the achievement of these goals,” saying enforcement and monitoring are essential to translate intentions into measurable outcomes.
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Abubakar Yalleman, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, said the bill aims to ensure that women are recruited in higher numbers and provided with a work environment that supports their progress.
He said more women in policing would strengthen investigations into crimes that disproportionately affect women, including domestic violence and sexual assault, noting that female officers often provide victims with a safer channel to report abuse.
“Increasing the number of women in the Police Force will promote inclusivity and inspire young ladies to pursue careers in law enforcement, contributing meaningfully to the development of their communities and the nation,” Yalleman said.
