Call for Presidential Support for State Police Bill
The iTeach Africa Initiative, a prominent non-governmental organization, has expressed its satisfaction with the Senate’s recent passage of the State Police Bill, viewing it as a crucial advancement in enhancing the safety of women and other vulnerable groups throughout Nigeria.
According to the organization, the proposed framework for a national police force could significantly bolster protections for women and girls while expanding access to justice at the grassroots level. This would ideally lead to security agencies becoming more attuned to the specific challenges faced by communities across the nation.
This perspective was articulated in a statement released by the founder of the iTeach Africa Initiative, Mr. Ebimoboere Alaibe Elejianya, in Abuja on Thursday. He highlighted that the bill has the potential to transform the security landscape for women, who are disproportionately affected by the country’s existing security challenges, including gender-based violence, domestic abuse, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
Ms. Elejianya emphasized that the establishment of a state-controlled police force would enhance law enforcement’s proximity to communities, thereby creating a more effective approach to addressing safety concerns that predominantly affect women. This is particularly urgent for individuals living in rural and underserved areas, where the presence of federal security agencies is often minimal.
Moreover, she noted that the bill not only aims to strengthen security but also represents an opportunity to foster gender inclusion within Nigeria’s law enforcement framework. This could pave the way for more significant representation of women in police and security decision-making processes.
If the State Police Bill is supported by a robust implementation strategy, Ms. Elejianya posited, it would signal a significant breakthrough for women by increasing their representation within law enforcement. “This would enhance efforts to combat gender-based crimes and other criminal activities that disproportionately affect women and girls,” she explained.
Furthermore, Ms. Elejianya underscored that security policies tend to be more effective when they incorporate diverse viewpoints and consider the unique needs of women and their communities. As a proponent of women’s leadership and decision-making participation, she believes that such inclusive security policies would attract more focus and implementation, ultimately fostering a safer environment for women to thrive and contribute to national development.
The organization also expressed optimism regarding President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the bill once it reaches his desk, emphasizing that enhanced security at state and community levels would yield significant economic benefits. Ms. Elejianya argued that a more secure environment would empower women entrepreneurs, farmers, traders, and professionals to operate without fear, thereby driving economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring food security.
In light of these considerations, the group urged stakeholders to integrate gender-sensitive policies into the final operational framework of the state police, ensuring that women are adequately represented within this new security structure.
