The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved the Police Act Amendment Bill that would allow the Inspector General of Police to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the appointment letter.
The development followed President Bola Tinubu’s request, seeking an amendment of the principal Act to extend the tenure of the IGP.
The request was transmitted as an executive bill.
When the bill was read on the floor of the House, lawmakers voted unanimously to pass it expeditiously.
The Senate similarly passed it at its sitting on Tuesday.
Recall that earlier in July, police authorities denied allegations that incumbent IGP, Kayode Egbetokun made moves to influence the National Assembly to pass a bill seeking to raise the retirement age of officers.
The President appointed Egbetokun as the IGP in June 2023 and he is expected to stay in office for four years. He was appointed alongside four new service chiefs.
In compliance with Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, who was born on September 4, 1964, is expected to retire in September 2024 at the age of 60.
A copy of the bill seen by journalists showed that Section 18 of the Principal Act is amended by the addition of a new Sub-Section (8A).
It reads, “Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police 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 this Act.”
