The Police Act Amendment Bill, which would enable the Inspector General of Police to hold office until the conclusion of the time specified in their appointment letter, was adopted by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
The House’s decision came after President Bola Tinubu’s request to change the Principal Act to take the IGP’s tenure into account was properly reviewed and approved.
Through the advancement of accountability, the modernization of policing techniques, and the cultivation of a more cordial connection between the police and the community, the proposed law to make modifications to the Nigerian Police Act 2020 aims to secure the tenure of the IGP and improve police operations.
On Tuesday, after the executive bill was read aloud on the House floor, the house of reps overwhelmingly decided to approve it quickly.
Recall that earlier in July, police officials refuted claims that the IGP at the time, Kayode Egbetokun, was attempting to manipulate the National Assembly to approve a measure that would have raised the retirement age for officers.
Egbetokun was named IGP by the President in June 2023, and his term in office is anticipated to last four years. Along with four other new service heads.
The Inspector General of police who was born on September 4, 1964, is anticipated to retire in September 2024 at the age of 60 in accordance with Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020.
According to a copy of the bill that a news correspondent was able to get, a new Sub-Section (8A) has been added to Section 18 of the Principal Act.
“Any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act,” the text states, “notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (8) of this section.”
