The Nigerian Senate has passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, amending the Police Act of 2020 to ensure that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, can complete his appointed tenure.
On Tuesday, the lawmakers approved the bill, following President Bola Tinubu’s submission of the proposed amendment to the House of Representatives. The amendment addresses the ongoing issue regarding the retirement age and tenure of the IGP.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who took office in June 2023 for a four-year term, is the focus of this legislative adjustment. According to Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, would be required to retire in September 2024 when he turns 60. This would cut his tenure short to just one year and three months of the four-year term.
The Nigeria Police Force previously denied claims in July that Egbetokun lobbied the National Assembly to extend the retirement age of officers. Similar issues arose with Egbetokun’s predecessor, Usman Baba, who continued to serve beyond his mandatory retirement age of 60 in March 2023 until his replacement.
The newly passed bill aims to provide clarity and stability in the leadership of the Nigerian police force, ensuring that the IGP can serve the full term as appointed without abrupt retirement due to age constraints.
