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The Nigeria Police Force says that the approval of a new dress code for female cops is in line with international best practices.
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, had on Friday approved a new dress code for policewomen.
With the approval, female officers are now allowed to wear stud earrings and headscarves under their berets or peak caps while in uniform.
This was, however, greeted with commendations and criticisms by some people.
For instance, two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and Ifedayo Adedipe, faulted the decision, saying it was illegal.
Adegboruwa said the approval was contrary to the provision of Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the government and its agencies should maintain a neutral stand on religion.
He queried the rationale behind the decision at a time insecurity was on the rise in the country.
However the force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said female cops wear headscarves in other parts of the world, adding that the directive was not compulsory.
He, however, explained that headscarf was different from hijab.
Adejobi said, “The headscarf is being used by female officers in other countries. There is no sentiment about it; it is just a normal thing and it is in line with international best practices, which we just adopted.
“There’s a difference between a scarf and hijab. The headscarf is very small and can be used to cover the hair and not the entire body or uniform. It is also optional.”
Meanwhile, the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria has commended the IG for responding to the yearnings and aspirations of policewomen as well as rank and file of the NPF, who were clamouring for inclusiveness in the mode of dressing.
A statement by the National Coordinator of the group, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, described the new dress code as the right step in the right direction.
