The House of Representatives approved the Police Act Amendment Bill on Tuesday, aiming to extend the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to match the term specified in the appointment letter.
This decision came after President Bola Tinubu’s request for an amendment to the Principal Act, designed to bolster police operations and enhance accountability within the force.
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The amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020 seeks to ensure that the IGP remains in office for the full term outlined in their appointment letter, rather than being constrained by the current retirement provisions. This move is expected to modernize policing methods and improve the relationship between the police and the public.
The House of Representatives voted unanimously in favor of the amendment during its session on Tuesday. The Senate also passed the bill in a concurrent session, signaling bipartisan support for the change.
The legislative action follows earlier denials by police authorities that IGP Kayode Egbetokun sought to influence the National Assembly regarding a bill to raise the retirement age for officers. Egbetokun, appointed in June 2023, is currently slated to serve a four-year term, aligning with the newly approved amendment.
According to Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, would be required to retire in September 2024 upon reaching the age of 60.
The newly added Sub-Section (8A) to Section 18 of the Act reads, “Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (8) of this section, 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.”
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