March 13, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has scrapped regulations that mandated the dismissal of unmarried female officers who became pregnant while in service.
Confirming the development during an interview on Channels TV, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Aishatu Baju, said the discriminatory sections of the Police Act, including Section 127, had been removed under the Police Act 2020 as part of ongoing reforms.
The policy change follows the May 2024 ruling of the Court of Appeals, which nullified Sections 126 and 127 of the Police Act.
A police corporal, Omolola Olajide, who was dismissed in 2021 for becoming pregnant, had approached the appellate court to challenge the ruling of a Federal High Court that upheld the regulation.
Baju reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to eliminating gender-based discrimination and fostering an inclusive institution.
“The Inspector General of Police has also introduced the Nigeria Police Gender Policy to ensure full inclusivity and equal opportunities for all officers”, Baju said.
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