- Osaretin Akinola
- The Nigeria Police Force, State Command Headquarters, Diamond Hill, Calabar. Cross River State.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has long been the subject of public scrutiny for its inefficiencies, corruption, and human rights abuses. In response to widespread calls for reform, the Nigeria Police Force Act 2020 was enacted to replace the colonial-era Police Act of 1943. This paper evaluates the impact of the 2020 Act on police practices and reforms, analyzing whether it has achieved its goals of modernizing the police force, enhancing accountability, and improving public trust. Using qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including policy analysis, interviews, and case studies, this study finds that while the Act introduced progressive provisions, its implementation has faced significant challenges. These include institutional resistance, inadequate funding, and entrenched systemic issues. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of the Act and fostering meaningful reform within the NPF.
