In a significant step toward gender equality, the Nigeria Police Force has expunged laws and regulations that mandated the dismissal of unmarried policewomen who become pregnant while in active service. Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Aishatu Baju disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief show on Wednesday.
“A New Era of Inclusivity in the Nigeria Police”
AIG Baju emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to eradicating gender discrimination. She stated, “That Section 127 and any section of the Police Act and regulation that has gender discrimination have been expunged, looking at the Police Act of 2020 and the police reform that is currently going on.”
She highlighted the launch of the Nigeria Police Gender Policy in 2024 by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) as a key milestone in promoting inclusivity. “The IG is intentional about inclusivity and making sure that the Nigeria Police is an equal opportunity institution,” she added.
“Case of Omolola Olajide: A Turning Point”
The issue gained national attention in 2021 when Corporal Omolola Olajide, an unmarried police officer in Ekiti State, was dismissed for becoming pregnant. Her case sparked widespread outrage, with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) challenging the legality of Section 127 of the Police Regulations in court. However, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the suit in February 2022, ruling that officers were aware of the regulation before joining the Force.
AIG Baju confirmed that such dismissals are no longer practiced. When asked directly if unmarried policewomen are still dismissed for pregnancy, she responded, “Yes,” indicating that the discriminatory policy has been abolished.
“What This Means for Female Officers”
The removal of these discriminatory laws marks a significant victory for gender equality within the Nigeria Police Force. Female officers can now serve without fear of losing their jobs due to pregnancy, fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
“A Step Forward for Police Reforms”
This development is part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing the Nigeria Police Force and aligning it with global best practices. The expunging of discriminatory laws and the introduction of the Gender Policy reflect the Force’s commitment to creating a fair and equitable institution.
