The Nigeria Police Force has eliminated regulations that required the dismissal of unmarried female officers who became pregnant while on duty.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Aishatu Baju, confirmed the change during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
The discriminatory sections, including Section 127, have been removed under the Police Act 2020 as part of ongoing reforms.
“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.
This policy revision follows a 2021 incident where a police corporal, Omolola Olajide, was fired for getting pregnant, which caused national uproar.
Despite the Federal High Court’s initial support of the regulation, the Court of Appeal overturned it in May 2024, invalidating Sections 126 and 127 of the Police Act.
Baju emphasized that with these new reforms, the Force is dedicated to eradicating gender-based discrimination and promoting inclusivity in the institution.
