Police Trust Fund Seeks Increased Funding to Strengthen Security Operations

The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has called on the Senate to increase its statutory allocation from 0.5 per cent to one per cent to enhance police operations and strengthen efforts to combat rising insecurity across the country.

The request was presented on Tuesday during a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs on a bill seeking to repeal the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019, and replace it with a new Act in 2026.

Speaking at the hearing in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, disclosed that the proposal had already received approval from the National Police Council, chaired by President Bola Tinubu. He explained that council members, including state governors, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police, agreed on the need for sustainable funding to address growing security challenges.

According to Sheidu, the additional resources would support the deployment of modern policing technologies such as surveillance systems, drones, forensic laboratories, command-and-control centres, and other digital security tools. He stressed that these investments were essential for effective law enforcement in the modern era.

The NPTF boss also urged lawmakers to remove the sunset clause in the existing legislation, arguing that long-term funding would provide stability for strategic projects and encourage support from development partners and private-sector stakeholders.

He noted that the proposed law would introduce additional funding sources, including international grants, intervention funds, development levies, private-sector contributions, and philanthropic donations.

Sheidu welcomed provisions aimed at improving transparency and accountability through broader board representation, stronger oversight mechanisms, and mandatory reporting requirements. He added that the Fund’s five-year development plan includes the construction of smart police stations across federal constituencies, establishment of police reference hospitals in the six geopolitical zones, expansion of training programmes, and implementation of housing schemes for officers.

Speaking earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described security as vital to economic growth and national development. While acknowledging the Fund’s contributions to police training, infrastructure, and welfare, he said evolving security threats required stronger institutions and sustainable funding frameworks.

The Attorney-General of the Federation’s representative also endorsed the proposed legislation, describing it as a constitutional framework that would strengthen the operational capacity and welfare of the Nigeria Police Force.