The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill to amend the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The Bill, which passed third reading on Tuesday seeks to amend the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 (“Principal Act”) to enable the person appointed as IGP to remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Kayode Egbetokun as the IGP in June 2023 for four years. According to Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, who was born on September 4, 1964, is expected to retire in September 2024, when he will be 60 years old.
However, the bill seeks that Section 18 of the Principal Act is amended by adding a new subsection (8A) which stipulates that any person appointed to the office of IGP 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 the principal Act.
President Tinubu also transmitted the Police Act Amendment Bill 2024 to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“The Nigeria Police Amended bill 2024 seeks to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 with respect to appointment and tenure of the Inspector General of Police and related matters. While hoping that the House of Representatives Will consider this submission in its usual expeditious manner, please accept, RT Honorable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration”, the letter read.
