Stakeholders Demand Full Enforcement of Police Act 2020

Concerns have been voiced by stakeholders in the security sector regarding the growing disparity between the advancements outlined in the Police Act 2020 and the current state of policing in Nigeria.

During a town hall meeting held by Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) in Enugu on Wednesday, along with stakeholder engagements on Friday and Saturday, legal experts, civil society leaders, and media practitioners expressed concerns that the widely discussed police reforms are merely “paper victories.” They attributed this to low public awareness and ongoing systemic corruption within the police force.

The event marked the launch of a two-week advocacy project, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This initiative aims to enhance the implementation of the Act across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Ms. Kemi Okenyodo, the Executive Director of PWAN, highlighted that the 2020 Act brought significant reforms, including the ban on “arrest in lieu” and the establishment of community policing. However, she emphasized that the effectiveness of these changes is diminished due to a lack of public awareness regarding their rights.

“Laws are effective only when citizens are aware of their rights and insist on adherence,” stated Okenyodo, as conveyed by PWAN programme officer Ms. Hamidat Oyedele.

The Enugu branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Vernacius Odo, has provided a critical evaluation of the current situation.

He characterized the Act as “rich in innovation but poorly practiced,” raising concerns that even 10 percent of police officers may not be familiar with the law they are supposed to enforce.Odo has raised concerns about the commercialization of policing, claiming that certain stations are operating as debt-recovery agents or mini-courts by collecting illegal fees from parties in dispute.

The conversation shifted to focus on the personal aspects of reform.

Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), stated that humanizing the police is essential for reform.

Nwanguma stated that police officers in Nigeria are victims of systemic neglect.

He stated that hardship does not justify abuse. He highlighted the 2020 #EndSARS protests as a significant example, mentioning that although many stations faced attacks, officers who had established trust through their professional behavior were safeguarded and supported by their communities.

The advocacy project is set to expand into Borno, Lagos, Kano, and the FCT. The message from Enugu is straightforward: without strict enforcement of accountability and a true commitment to officer welfare, the Police Act 2020 will lack substance.