Senate Gives Green Light to ₦404bn Police Trust Fund Budget

The Senate has approved a total of ₦404.07 billion for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, covering the Fund’s 2025 budget of ₦170.10 billion and its 2026 expenditure plan of ₦233.96 billion.

According to Ireporter Online, the approval is expected to enhance policing activities, strengthen security operations, and support the development of critical infrastructure needed to improve the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.

The decision followed the consideration of reports presented by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs during Thursday’s plenary session.

Acting Chairman of the committee, Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Oyo Central, presented the report on behalf of the committee chairman, Senator Abdulhamid Ahmed Mallam-Madori of Jigawa East.

While presenting the 2025 budget proposal, Akintunde explained that the appropriation had been resubmitted after delays caused by legal challenges linked to proposed amendments to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, 2019.

He noted that although the budget had earlier been approved for the 2024 fiscal year, implementation could not commence due to circumstances surrounding the proposed legislative changes and other issues beyond the control of the Fund.

The committee consequently recommended the approval of ₦170.10 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, a recommendation that received strong backing from lawmakers and was adopted by the Senate.

Speaking during the debate, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, described the Police Trust Fund as a vital intervention platform designed to address funding shortages affecting the Nigeria Police Force.

Ningi expressed concern that legal disputes had prevented the Fund from accessing and utilising approved resources for nearly three years, urging proper management and accountability in the use of the newly approved funds.

He stressed that the National Assembly would continue to monitor the implementation process to ensure that the allocations achieve their intended objectives.

The Senate also approved the Police Trust Fund’s 2026 budget of ₦233.96 billion, with over 90 per cent of the allocation dedicated to capital expenditure.

Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, praised the structure of the budget, stating that other government agencies should emulate the focus on capital projects due to their long-term impact on institutional performance.

Meanwhile, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, commended the committee for its work and expressed hope that the approved funds would significantly strengthen the police in combating insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.

The Nigeria Police Trust Fund was established to provide additional financial support to the police through investments in training, equipment acquisition, operational logistics, infrastructure development, and other capacity-building programmes aimed at improving security across the country.