* Says dress code optional, in line with best global practices
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has approved a new and improved dress code for Women Officers which permits them to wear stud earrings, and headscarf under their berets or peak caps as the case may be while in uniform.
The development indicates that female police officers, who are Muslim faithful, are now free to wear Hijab if they so desire, as the new dress code is optional
The dress code was unveiled at the IGP’s meeting with Strategic Police Managers on March 3, 2022.
A statement by the Acting Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also quoted the  IGP as saying  that the Nigeria Police workforce has officers from every local government in the country with a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds and an increased inclusion of female folks. Adejobi added that the development brings the need to guarantee inclusion, gender mainstreaming, ethnic and religious diversity in the work place for optimum output and professionalism.
He also said that the measure  has led to improvement for effective global workforce diversity management, saying that other countries that have adopted same dress code include Canada, the United States of America, Sweden, Turkey, Australia and the United Kingdom amongst others.
But the acting police spokesman said the new dress code is optional. He said, Â “The dress code is optional and Senior Women Police Officers have been tasked by the IGP to ensure compliance with the approved standard for women police officers who have opted to adopt the dress code.
Adejobi also disclosed that the IGP noted that the development, which is in line with international best practices, Â addresses the growing concern for gender mainstreaming and respect for culture and diversity.
