The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN, has applauded the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba for approving a new dress code allowing willing female officers to wear the hijab,
In a statement issued by the National Amirah, Hajia Rafiah Idowu Sanni on Monday, the umbrella body for the Nigerian Muslim women commended the Usman Baba-led Nigerian 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 international best practices as it has earlier been demonstrated by countries such as Scotland, Afghanistan, Turkey, 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’ abilities to perform their duties, rather it will boost their morale and make them more comfortable in discharging them.
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.
End
