The Bill for an Act to amend the Police Act, 2004 to provide for more inclusive enlistment requirement, improved police welfare and increase in fines to be paid as penalty for offences (SB. 453) passed second reading in Senate.
Leading the debate at the plenary session of Tuesday, 11 July 2017, the sponsor of the Bill, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu (APC: Lagos) stated that if passed, the Bill would be in conformity with current reality and create equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of gender.
Elaborating on her statement, Sen. Tinubu noted that several extant provisions of the Act discriminate against women. For instance, the Act allows for the enlistment of men who have attained 17 years but sets the age limit for women at 19. It further exempts Nigerian women who are married from being enlisted and provides that single women may only marry after serving in the Police Force for three years; subject to the approval of the Police Commissioner.
According to her, the afore mentioned regulation violates the provisions of section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which states that:
” (1) A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person:-
(a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religious or political opinions are not made subject; or
(b) be accorded either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any such executive or administrative action, any privilege or advantage that is not accorded to citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religious or political opinions.
The Bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Police Affairs for further legislative input and they are expected to report back in 4 weeks.
