Police, NUJ Push Stronger Partnership On Gender Reforms

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has called for closer collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen media coverage of gender reforms and increase the visibility of policewomen’s contributions to national security.

The Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike made the call in Abuja at the Nigeria Policewomen Conference (NPWC) 2026, with the theme: “Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Policing for Inclusive Security and Sustainable Reform.”

Represented by the Council’s Auditor, Comrade Rosemary Ukoko-Tega, Comrade Ike said journalists had largely been excluded from discussions on gender mainstreaming in the Police Force, stressing that the media should be integrated into ongoing reform efforts.

She said gender-responsive policing and a free press are mutually reinforcing, noting that greater media access would improve transparency, accountability and public confidence in the police.

Ukoko-Tega urged the Police to designate liaison officers to engage regularly with the NUJ FCT Council and encourage policewomen to share their activities and achievements for wider media coverage.

She said the proposal aligns with the Council’s advocacy for institutional accountability, transparency and media inclusion in public sector reforms.

The NUJ representative noted that many achievements recorded by policewomen, including increased representation in leadership positions, remain largely unknown due to limited engagement with the media.

In his keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the revival of the Nigeria Policewomen Conference reflects the Force’s commitment to promoting women’s leadership in policing.

Representated by the Director of Force Medical Services, AIG Nkechi Eze, the IGP acknowledged the contributions of women officers in investigations, forensic science, tactical operations, peacekeeping and international assignments but said challenges such as inadequate mentorship, limited leadership opportunities and welfare concerns continue to hinder their advancement.

He urged participants to develop practical recommendations on leadership development, mentorship and inclusive policies, while encouraging senior female officers to mentor younger colleagues.

The Inspector-General also commended development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government, GS Foundation and UN Women, for supporting police reforms and initiatives aimed at advancing women’s leadership in the Force.

The conference was organised by the Nigeria Police Force in partnership with the UNDP, the Federal Ministries of Police Affairs and Women Affairs, the Embassy of Germany, GS Foundation and UN Women.

It brought together senior police officers, government officials, development partners and civil society organisations to discuss strategies for strengthening women’s leadership in policing.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji