The House of Representatives is currently reviewing a bill aimed at amending the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, to regulate the deployment of police officers as orderlies to top government officials and prevent potential misuse of this practice.
Proposed by a lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency, Lagos State, the bill aims to restrict the duration that officers can serve in such roles and ensure their reassignment to core police duties after a specific period.
The bill suggests changes to Section 18 of the Principal Act by adding new subsections (12 to 17) that outline the eligible offices for police aides and the duration of such assignments.
One key point in the proposed amendment is that only specific public officials will be entitled to police orderlies, as decided by the Inspector General of Police. These officials include the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of Nigeria, state governors, deputy governors, principal officers of the National and State Assemblies, and local government chairmen.
Under the bill, police officers assigned as orderlies to elected officials will have a three-year limit in that role, after which they must return to their police divisions for different duties and additional training. Moreover, there will be a five-year restriction on reassignment to similar roles for these officers, except for those attached to specified high-ranking officials who may serve for the duration of the official’s term before being reassigned.
The bill also suggests penalties for police officers who breach or assist in violating these regulations, with misconduct subject to punishment under the Police Service Rules.
The bill’s explanatory memorandum highlights the aim of preventing the misuse of police personnel assigned to VIPs while enhancing the effectiveness, professionalism, and integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
The proposed legislation is anticipated to be discussed further on the House floor in the upcoming weeks.