The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward gender equality in law enforcement by proposing a mandatory 15 percent women's quota in police recruitment across Nigeria.
Historic Move for Police Reform
On Monday, November 17, 2025, the House of Representatives commenced a public hearing on a crucial amendment to the Nigeria Police Act No. 2 of 2020. The proposed legislation seeks to establish 15 percent women's representation as a compulsory benchmark for all future police recruitment exercises.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, officially declared the session open, emphasizing that this amendment represents a critical advancement toward building a more inclusive and accountable policing system that truly reflects Nigeria's diverse population.
Addressing Decades of Gender Imbalance
The Speaker highlighted that the Nigeria Police Force has operated for decades with a disproportionately low number of female officers, particularly in command and leadership positions. This significant gender gap, he noted, has undermined professionalism within the force and denied victims of sensitive crimes adequate support and understanding.
The proposed Bill mandates the Nigeria Police Force to establish a comprehensive gender-responsive compliance program that covers recruitment, training, posting, discipline, and career progression. Additionally, it provides for the creation of a dedicated monitoring unit to maintain records and ensure full adherence to these gender-based reforms.
"At its core, this Bill speaks to justice, fairness, and the recognition that effective policing must draw strength from diversity," Speaker Abbas stated during the hearing.
Benefits of Increased Female Representation
Abbas presented compelling arguments supporting the amendment, noting that extensive research consistently shows police institutions with stronger female representation demonstrate multiple benefits. These include fewer incidents of excessive force, more effective handling of gender-based violence cases, and generally higher levels of public trust.
"By increasing the participation of women in the Force, we are not merely advancing the cause of gender equality; we are enhancing professionalism, deepening accountability, and improving the overall quality of policing in Nigeria," the Speaker emphasized.
The amendment aligns with Nigeria's constitutional spirit and the country's international commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal Five which emphasizes gender equality and women's empowerment.
Implementation and Monitoring Framework
Recognizing that legislation alone cannot achieve these goals, the Bill provides for the establishment of a dedicated unit within the Nigeria Police Force specifically tasked with maintaining records and assessing compliance with gender-responsive policies.
Abubakar Makki Yalleman, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, explained that the proposed amendment aims to increase women's recruitment into the Force by at least 15 percent while creating a gender-friendly environment where female officers can thrive.
He noted that the reform seeks to correct long-standing cultural and societal barriers that have traditionally discouraged women from joining the police force. Female officers often bring unique perspectives to law enforcement, especially in managing sensitive cases involving domestic violence and sexual assault.
"This amendment prioritizes recruitment, promotion, and a conducive working environment for women. It will equip them with the skills needed to excel and inspire young girls to pursue careers in policing," Yalleman concluded.
