The Nigeria Police Force has officially scrapped regulations that previously mandated the dismissal of unmarried female officers who became pregnant while in service.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aishatu Baju, the highest-ranking female officer in the Force, confirmed the policy change during an interview on The Morning Brief on Channels Television.
Baju highlighted that all discriminatory provisions in the Police Act, including Section 127, which had been used to justify such dismissals—had been removed as part of ongoing police reforms.
She stated, “That section, along with any other part of the Police Act that discriminates against female officers, has been removed under the Police Act 2020.
“The Inspector General of Police has also introduced the Nigeria Police Gender Policy to ensure full inclusivity and equal opportunities for all officers.”
When asked if unmarried female officers could still face dismissal due to pregnancy, Baju responded decisively, “No.”
The policy had sparked national debate in 2021 when a police corporal, Omolola Olajide, was dismissed in Ekiti State after becoming pregnant.
Public outrage followed, leading the Nigerian Bar Association to challenge the regulation in court.
Although a Federal High Court in Abuja upheld her dismissal, arguing that officers were aware of the rule upon joining, the NBA pursued the case further.
In May 2024, the Court of Appeal in Lagos struck down Sections 126 and 127 of the Police Act, bringing the controversial policy to an end.
With this reform, Baju reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to gender equality and a more inclusive policing environment.
