The Integrity Youth Alliance, an organization that has been monitoring the development trends in the Nigeria Police Force for over 15 years, has called on the National Assembly to ignore the call by the so-called coalition of 29 civil society organizations not to amend the Nigeria Police Force Act.
Responding to an online publication, the Alliance’s Secretary General, Danjuma Lamido, said that there are many things wrong with the present service years of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We wish to state categorically that the bill seeking to raise the retirement age of members of the Nigeria Police Force will enhance the performance of personnel.
“The bill will support an effective, adaptable, and citizen-friendly police force.
The statement further states, “This amendment bill is a significant milestone in the quest for a more robust, responsive, and people-friendly policing system in Nigeria. It seeks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian Police Force.”
“It is certain that the bill’s features, which include extending the retirement age and service years of police officers, would boost morale, keep experienced staff on board, and improve the Force’s overall performance.
“By extending the retirement age and tenure of service, the Bill aims to mitigate these shortages by allowing experienced officers to remain in active service longer to maintain operational continuity and effectiveness, especially in the face of evolving security threats across the country.
“Certainly, nations such as the US, Canada, Australia, and Brazil have changed the retirement age and length of service for their law enforcement officers with different advantages. Gaining insight from these worldwide instances might illuminate possible consequences and advantages for Nigeria.
“The so-called CSOs, under no circumstances, cannot stop the legislature, the National Assembly, from performing its legislative duties.
“We believe the members of the National Assembly know their work, know their onions, and would do what is right. This is due process; the National Assembly is not doing anything outside the law. It is within its exclusive right to consider whatever request they receive from Nigerians, either from the Executive or private member bill, and the Police Amendment Bill is one of them.”
The Alliance asked the National Assembly for the bill’s assent without delay.
According to the Alliance, the bill will greatly enhance Nigeria’s safety and security if it is signed into law.
