Reps, Senate pass bill to make IGP stay four years even beyond 60 years

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved the Police Act Amendment Bill to allow the occupant of the Office of the Inspector General of Police to remain in office until the end of the four-year term stipulated in the letter of appointment, even if they are over 60 years.

The House decision followed the consideration and approval of President Bola Tinubu’s request, seeking an amendment of the Principal Act, to reflect on the tenure of the IGP.

The proposed legislation to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 seeks to guarantee the tenure of the IGP and enhance police operations by promoting accountability, modernising policing methods and fostering a more harmonious relationship between the police and the community.

When the executive bill was read on the floor of the House on Tuesday, lawmakers voted unanimously to pass it expeditiously.

The Senate similarly passed it at its sitting on Tuesday.

The bill seeks that Section 18 of the Principal Act is amended by adding a new subsection (8A) – “(8A) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act”.

Currently, the Police Act says that an officer considered for the position of Inspector General of Police must have at least four years in service.

However, the president did not take that into consideration in the appointment of Kayode Egbetokun, current IGP who is due for retirement in a few months.

The President appointed Egbetokun as the IGP in June 2023 and he is expected to stay in office for four years.

In compliance with Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, who was born on September 4, 1964, is expected to retire in September 2024 at the age of 60.