Nigeria Police Force will no longer suspend or dismiss unmarried female officers who become pregnant, a development that marks a significant shift in the institution’s gender policies.
This was disclosed by Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Aishatu Abubakar-Baju, during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday.
According to Baju, discriminatory provisions—particularly Section 127 of the Police Act—which previously sanctioned such disciplinary actions, have been expunged as part of ongoing reforms within the Force.
“Section 127 and any other section of the Police Act and regulation that has gender discrimination have been removed, in line with the Police Act of 2020 and current police reform initiatives,” she stated.
The review comes in the wake of public backlash over the 2021 dismissal of an unmarried police corporal, Omolola Olajide, in Ekiti State, after she became pregnant. The case stirred national debate and prompted legal action by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which challenged the regulation in court.
Although the Federal High Court dismissed the suit in 2022, citing lack of merit, the incident heightened calls for reform within the police system.
AIG Baju reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to building a more inclusive and equitable workforce. She referenced the Nigeria Police Gender Policy launched by the Inspector General of Police last year, aimed at eliminating all forms of gender-based discrimination within the Force.
“I can tell you that the Nigeria Police has come of age,” she said. “The IGP is intentional about inclusivity and ensuring that the Nigeria Police remains an equal opportunity institution.”