The Senate at its plenary session of Wednesday, 17 April 2019 passed the Police Reform Bill, 2019 (SB 683). The Bill seeks to create a Police Force that is more responsible and responsive to the needs of the public as enshrined in its mandate and in line with the values of fairness, justice and equity.

Presenting the report on the Bill, Chairman Committee on Police Affairs, Sen. Tijjani Kaura (APC: Kebbi) informed the Senate that it arrived at its legislative framework after consultations with relevant stakeholders on the merits of the proposed legislation and the conduct of a public hearing to collate the views of key stakeholders and the general public

Sen. Kaura explained that the Public Hearing which was held on Wednesday, 5 December 2018 had in attendance the Inspector General of Police (IGP); Chairman, Police Service Commission; Director General of the State Security Service; Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria; Civil Society Organizations; etc. He also noted that stakeholders who made presentations at the public hearing commended the intendment of the Bills before highlighting the Committee’s observations as follows:

• That views expressed by stakeholders were unanimous and supported the passage of the Bill;
• That the legislative intent of the Bill were laudable and commendable as it is aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force;
• That opinions were divided on the section of the bill which empowers the Senate to confirm the appointment and removal of the Inspector General of Police;
• That the provisions on the tenure of the Inspector General of Police were unanimously agreed on; and
• That the establishment of a Community Police Forum as provided in the Bill was highly recommended.

Following his submissions, Sen. Kaura requested that the Senate’s approves the Committee’s recommendations as follows:-

• That it should be made binding on the Inspector General of Police to adhere to policing plans for the nation with input from the Police Force Headquarters and Formations nationwide before the end of each financial year. These plans will include, setting priorities and objectives, costs, and outcomes of policing;
• That the name “Nigeria Police proposed in the draft bill should be changed to the “Nigeria Police Force”; in light of the failed Constitution amendment to change the name of the “Nigeria Police Force” to “Nigeria Police”
• That the Police abide and enforce certain constitutional provisions, specifically the fundamental rights of persons in police custody and other international instruments on human rights to which Nigeria is signatory;
• That the Appointment and Removal of the Inspector General of Police should be carefully examined as any proposal contrary to Section 215 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) will require an alteration to the constitution for it to be possible;
• That the tenure of the Office of the Inspector General of Police should be a single term of 4years (A single term of 5years was eventually adopted by the Senate).

Lastly, Sen. Kaura stated that the Bill, if passed, will help create a policing system that performs its duty in line with global standards, fit for the purpose of preventing and detecting crimes, apprehending offenders and enforcing laws and regulations within its mandate.

The Senate however amended the following Clauses after consideration of the provisions of the Bill:

• Clause 7(1b) which deals with the “Tenure of Office of the Inspector General of Police”;
• Clause 98(1) by inserting a new subsection “I”;
• Clause 100 which deals with the “Assault on a Police Officer”
• Clause 102 which deals with “Taking of intoxicating liquor or use of psychotropic substances and stimulants while on duty” and
• Clause 103 which deals with the “Impersonation of a Police Officer”

The Bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence.