National Telescope national telescope newspaper
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved the Police Act Amendment Bill, which allows the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to remain in office until the term specified in their appointment letter is completed.
This decision followed a request by President Bola Tinubu to amend the existing act for clarity on the IGP’s tenure.
The amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020 is designed to secure the tenure of the IGP, enhance police operations, increase accountability, modernise policing methods, and improve community relations.
The executive bill was introduced in the House and passed unanimously by lawmakers, with the Senate also giving its approval on the same day.
Earlier in July, allegations surfaced claiming that the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, attempted to influence the National Assembly to pass a bill raising the retirement age for officers, which police authorities denied.
Egbetokun, who was appointed as IGP in June 2023, is expected to serve a four-year term. However, under the existing Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, he would be required to retire in September 2024 upon reaching the age of 60.
The new amendment introduces a Sub-Section (8A) to Section 18 of the Principal Act, stipulating that any appointed IGP shall remain in office until the end of their stipulated term, as outlined in Section 7(6) of the Act.
