….Urges other agencies to follow suit
As the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Usman Baba approves a new dress code allowing willing female officers to wear hijab, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, (FOMWAN) has applauded the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for the forthright action.
FOMWAN in a statement signed by her National Amirah, Hajia Rafiah Sanni, commended the Nigeria Police Force for blazing the trail among the security agencies in the country.
The statement noted that the bold action of the IGP is in line with the international best practices as it has earlier been demonstrated by countries such as Scotland, Afghanistan, Turkey and New Zealand, among others.
Wearing of hijab is one of the acts mandated for women in Islam.
The NPF believes that allowing Muslim female officers to wear hijab will not have any negative effect on the officers’ ability to perform their duties, rather it will boost their morale and make them more comfortable in discharging their duties.
FOMWAN appeals to other sister agencies like the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and others to follow the path laid by the NPF by allowing their willing female officers to wear hijab.
FOMWAN believes that permitting Muslim officers to put on headscarf under their berets or peak caps while in uniforms will not harm the reputation of the force, or create inconvenience for their colleagues.
FOMWAN urges Female Muslim Officers to appreciate the goodwill of the IGP by doubling their efforts through commitment to duties and be more professional in discharging their duties.
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