FIDA commends acting Inspector General of Police over force gender unit

The Nigerian chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, over the reconstitution of the force gender unit.

In a statement signed by the National President, Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau     and the National Secretary, Chigoziri Ojiaka, the group expressed delight about the development, noting that the initiative was a step in the right direction, which should be sustained.

“FIDA Nigeria notes that this laudable initiative is coming at the best time as violence against women remains on the increase, and cautions the unit of the hurdle ahead. FIDA Nigeria extends her hands of partnership to the unit for a more effective implementation of their mandate and for the posterity of our great nation,” the statement read.

The organisation urged the unit to ensure effective and efficient engagement with civil society groups, especially those working on gender thematic areas so as to maximise their resources and efforts in this area.

The newly reconstituted unit is charged with the responsibility of implementing a robust capacity building plan for officers on gender-related issues, and also to ensure the enhancement of existing collaboration with other stakeholders on gender equality.

The unit is set up to ensure the inclusion of gender training in Nigeria Police curriculum at all levels and see to the establishment of gender desk officers in police formations nationwide.