Abuja — The House of Representative at the plenary yesterday passed for third reading a bill which seeks to repeal the Police Act 2004 and enact Nigeria Police Act, 2020 to provide for the framework for the police force and ensure cooperation and partnership between the police and host communities.

P19, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and enact Nigeria Police Act, 2020, to Provide for the Framework for the Police Force and ensure Cooperation and Partnership between the Police and Host Communities in Maintaining Peace, Protecting lives and Properties, and for Related Matters', will govern the operations of the Nigerian police.

In the legislative brief of the bill, it states that: "It will provide for a police force that is more responsive to the needs of the public and has entrenched in its operations the values of fairness, justice and equity; repositioning the police force to uphold and safeguard the fundamental rights of every person in Nigeria in its operations.

"Also, to bring about a positive change in the public perception of the Force by ensuring that its functions are performed in a manner sensitive to the needs and well-being of the public, empower the police force to effectively prevent crimes without threatening the liberty and privacy of persons in Nigeria.

"Develop professionalism in the Force by providing relevant training in all police formations in Nigeria for enhanced performance; and respect for rights of victims of crime and an understanding of their needs among others."