The House of Representatives has begun a public hearing on amending the Nigeria Police Act to mandate 15% women's representation in police recruitment. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen emphasized the need for diversity to improve professionalism and accountability. The bill also requires gender-responsive programs and monitoring to address long-standing underrepresentation of women in the force.
On Monday, November 17, 2025, the House of Representatives in Nigeria initiated a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act No. 2 of 2020. The amendment aims to establish a compulsory 15% benchmark for women's representation in police recruitment, addressing the force's historical underrepresentation of female officers, particularly in command positions.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who opened the session, described the bill as a vital step toward an inclusive and accountable policing system that mirrors the nation's diversity. He highlighted how the low number of women has undermined professionalism and left victims of sensitive crimes without adequate support. "At its core, this Bill speaks to justice, fairness, and the recognition that effective policing must draw strength from diversity," Tajudeen stated. "For too long, the Nigeria Police Force has operated with a disproportionately low representation of women, particularly in 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."
The legislation mandates a gender-responsive compliance program encompassing recruitment, training, posting, discipline, and career progression. It also calls for a dedicated monitoring unit within the police to track records and ensure adherence to these reforms. Tajudeen noted that research indicates police forces with greater female involvement experience fewer incidents of excessive force, better handling of gender-based violence cases, and higher public trust. The amendment aligns with Nigeria's Constitution, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and Sustainable Development Goal Five on gender equality.
Abubakar Makki Yalleman, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, explained that the bill seeks to boost women's recruitment by at least 15% and foster a gender-friendly environment to overcome cultural and societal barriers. "This amendment prioritises recruitment, promotion, and a conducive working environment for women," he said. "It will equip them with the skills needed to excel and inspire young girls to pursue careers in policing." Female officers, he added, offer unique insights into cases like domestic violence and sexual assault.