The National Assembly passed the Police Act Amendment Bill on Tuesday, enabling the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to remain in office until the end of the term specified in their appointment letter. President Bola Tinubu forwarded the Bill to the House of Representatives and the Senate, seeking to amend the tenure of the IGP.

The Bill, aimed at amending the Nigeria Police Act 2020, seeks to ensure the IGP's tenure and enhance police operations through improved accountability, modernized policing methods, and better police-community relations.

Both chambers of the National Assembly expedited the Bill through its second and third readings, resulting in its passage. President Tinubu is expected to sign the Bill into law.

In July, the police refuted claims that IGP Kayode Egbetokun attempted to lobby the National Assembly to extend the retirement age of officers. Egbetokun, appointed by President Tinubu in June 2023, has a four-year term. According to Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, would retire in September 2024 upon turning 60. This would mean he would only have served one year and three months of his four-year term.

This controversy over the IGP's tenure is not new. Egbetokun's predecessor, Usman Baba, faced a similar situation. Baba turned 60 and completed the mandatory 35 years of service in March 2023 but remained in office until Egbetokun was appointed as his replacement three months later.