Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), a women-led non-governmental organisation, has launched a project in Enugu aimed at improving public understanding and implementation of the Police Act 2020 across Nigeria.
The initiative, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), seeks to address gaps in knowledge and application of the Act within the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), ensuring that both citizens and officers are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the law.
The project, titled “Enhancing Public Trust and Gender-Responsive Policing in Nigeria Through the Effective Implementation of Police Act,” will cover six geopolitical zones, including Enugu, Borno, Adamawa, Kano, Plateau, Lagos, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
PWAN Executive Director, Kemi Okenyodo, stated that the organisation is dedicated to enhancing citizens’ participation and improving security governance in Nigeria and West Africa.
The Police Act 2020 introduces significant reforms to modernise policing and protect citizens’ rights. Key provisions include the prohibition of arrest in lieu, humane treatment of suspects, and the promotion of community policing.
However, public awareness of the Act remains low, prompting PWAN to organise town hall meetings and capacity-building programmes for police officers.
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PWAN Programme Assistant, Oreoluwa Fatuyi, emphasised that effective implementation of the Police Act depends on citizens’ awareness of its provisions. She noted that ignorance of the law remains a major barrier to accountability and reform within the policing system.
The town hall meeting brought together community leaders, civil society organisations, media practitioners, youths, women leaders, grassroots representatives, and persons living with disabilities.
Participants discussed key aspects of the Police Act, including citizens’ rights, police powers, and accountability mechanisms.
Mr Tosin Osasona highlighted core provisions of the Police Act 2020, including the prohibition of arrest in lieu, the requirement for humane treatment of suspects, and the emphasis on community policing.
He noted that many Nigerians remain unaware of these safeguards, reinforcing the need for sustained public sensitisation.
The project aims to improve knowledge among police officers and citizens of recent changes and reforms within the police force, promoting the application of human rights as contained in the Act.
PWAN believes that understanding the Police Act 2020 is crucial for enhancing police governance, promoting accountability, and protecting citizens’ rights.