For the first time since 1943, the National Assembly has passed a comprehensive bill seeking to reform the Nigeria Police. The bill seeks to provide for a more efficient and effective police force that is based on the principles of accountability and transparency; and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

It would be recalled that the House of Representatives had passed its version of the Police Bill on 2 June 2020 and the Senate on 8 July 2020. Following the passage of the bills in the respective chambers, it was noted that there were a number of differences in the two versions of the Police bill passed and this necessitated the setting up of a Conference Committee to harmonise the bills. This Committee was set up on Tuesday July 14, 2020 and they met on Monday, 20 July 2020 to identify and resolve differences in the bills.

Some of the differences observed include:

• A third objective of partnership with other security agencies inserted in the House Bill;
• An additional duty of vetting and approving the registration of private Detective Schools and private Investigative outfits in the House Bill;
• Insertion of a Part on Financial Provisions in the Senate Bill;
• Insertion of new clauses in the House Bill on Command of Police in Case of Active Service and Remuneration and in the Senate Bill clauses on Appointment of other persons and Pensions and Gratuities;
• A separation of the provision on Appointment and Duties of Deputy Inspectors-General and Assistant Inspectors-General; and
• A few drafting language and style differences.

Following the meeting of the Conference Committee, the House adopted its report on Tuesday, 21 July 2020 and the Senate on Wednesday, 22 July 2020. Following harmonisation, the clean copy of the harmonised bill will be produced for transmittal to the President for Assent.