Nigerian Senate Passes Police Reform Bill

The administration of the Nigeria Police is set for far-reaching reforms as the Senate yesterday passed the Police Reform Bill.

It contains drastic amendments to and review of some provisions of the Police Act of 1943.

If the bill is eventually assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) will be appointed for a five-year single tenure in office.

The tenure of office is statutory, regardless of the retirement age of the appointee.

One of the key highlights of the bill is that while the President retains the power to appoint the IGP, such appointment has to be confirmed by the Senate.

Also, unlike the existing practice where the President can fire the IGP at will, the police chief’s removal from office has to be by recommendation of the Nigerian Police Council, as stated in Clause 7(7c) of the bill.

Also, one of the provisions of the bill is a two-year jail term or N5 million fine as punishment for anyone who impersonates a policeman or a police officer and more.