The Nigeria Police Force has officially removed regulations that previously led to the dismissal of unmarried female officers who became pregnant while in active service, according to Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Aishatu Baju.
Speaking on The Morning Brief program on Channels Television, Baju, the highest-ranking female officer in the force, confirmed that such discriminatory provisions no longer exist in police regulations.
She emphasized that gender-biased laws had been erased to promote inclusivity.
Addressing the case of Omolola Olajide, a former police corporal dismissed in 2021 under this now-defunct policy, Baju clarified that unmarried policewomen are no longer penalized for pregnancy.
She pointed to the Police Act 2020 and ongoing reforms as key steps in eliminating gender discrimination within the force.
She further highlighted the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) commitment to fostering equality, referencing the launch of the Nigeria Police Gender Policy in 2023 as a major milestone.
When asked directly if pregnant unmarried officers still face dismissal, Baju unequivocally responded, “Yes, they are no longer dismissed.”
The issue had previously sparked legal battles. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had challenged the policy in court, but an initial ruling upheld the dismissal of such officers.
However, in May 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned Sections 126 and 127 of the Nigeria Police Act, thereby invalidating the discriminatory regulation.
