Why Policewomen Must Wear Earing, Scarf in New Dress Code

Yemi Akinsuyi/

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has explained why he approved a new dress code for female officers which permits them to wear stud earrings and headscarf under their berets or peak caps while in uniform.

The dress code, according to a statement by the Force Spokesman, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, was unveiled at the IGP’s meeting with Strategic Police Managers on March 3, 2022.

Baba noted that the Nigeria Police workforce has officers from every local government in the country with a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, and an increased inclusion of female folks.

He said that this brought the need to guarantee inclusion, gender mainstreaming, ethnic and religious diversity in the workplace for optimum output and professionalism.

“This has informed the improvement for effective global workforce diversity management. Other countries that have adopted same dress code include Canada, the United States of America, Sweden, Turkey, Australia, and the United Kingdom amongst others.

“The dress code is optional and Senior Women Police Officers have been tasked to ensure compliance with the approved standard for women police officers who have opted to adopt the dress code,” the IGP stated.

He added that the development “which is in line with international best practices, addressed the growing concern for gender mainstreaming and respect for culture and diversity”.