President Muhammadu has signed the Nigeria Police Bill 2020 into law.
The president in a memo dated September 16, 2020, communicated his assent to the Bill to the National Assembly, through the Clerk of the legislature.
The Act repeals the Police Act Cap. P19. Laws of the Federation, 2004, and provides for a more effective and well organized Police Force, driven by the principles of transparency and accountability in its operations and management of its resources.
Among others, the Act establishes an appropriate funding framework for the Police in line with what is obtainable in other Federal Government key institutions, enhances professionalism in the Force through increased training opportunities, and creates enduring cooperation and partnership between the Police Force and communities in maintaining peace and combating crimes nationwide.
It also provides framework to ensure Cooperation and Partnership between the Police and Host Communities in Maintaining Peace, Protecting lives and Properties, and for Related Matters.
The law will ensure efficiency, transparency, and adherence to human rights laws as well as other critical issues noted in the operations of the Nigeria Police.
In the legislative brief of the bill, it states that: “It will provide for a police force that is more responsive to the needs of the public and has entrenched in its operations the values of fairness, justice and equity; repositioning the police force to uphold and safeguard the fundamental rights of every person in Nigeria in its operations.
“Also, to bring about a positive change in the public perception of the Force by ensuring that its functions are performed in a manner sensitive to the needs and well-being of the public, empower the police force to effectively prevent crimes without threatening the liberty and privacy of persons in Nigeria.
“Strengthen the Police Force in the performance of its functions, including the safety and security of all persons, communities and property in Nigeria.
“Ensure that the police perform its functions by creating the enabling environment to foster cooperation and partnership between it and the communities it serves to effectively prevent, reduce or eradicate crimes.
“Develop professionalism in the Force by providing relevant training in all police formations in Nigeria for enhanced performance, and respect for rights of victims of crime and an understanding of their needs among others.”
