The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chairman of the Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Yalleman, have received commendation from the National Democratic Front (NDF) for their roles in advancing the Police Act Amendment Bill in the House. This bill recently passed its second reading, marking a significant step toward reforming the Nigeria Police Act of 2020.
In a statement issued by Dr. Abdulkadir Musa, the Secretary General of NDF, the organization expressed heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Abubakar Yalleman. They praised their dedication in considering and championing the amendments to the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
The Police Act Amendment Bill aims to achieve several critical objectives:
1. **Reviewing Service Years:** It proposes to review the service years of police personnel to enhance their experience and expertise, retain seasoned officers, and reduce the costs associated with recruiting and training new officers.
2. **Improving Morale and Job Satisfaction:** By retaining experienced personnel, the bill seeks to boost morale, improve job satisfaction, and enhance overall performance within the police force.
3. **Addressing Shortages:** It addresses the shortage of experienced police personnel, thereby strengthening the police workforce.
Musa emphasized that these amendments are pivotal in creating a more effective, efficient, and citizen-oriented police force in Nigeria. He highlighted the significance of these reforms in meeting the aspirations of Nigerians for a robust and responsive security sector.
The NDF underscored its support for the Speaker and the Committee on Police Affairs, commending their commitment to security sector reform. They described the amendment bill as a landmark initiative that aligns with the quest for a police force that is accountable, responsive to the needs of citizens, and capable of delivering effective law enforcement across Nigeria.