The Nigerian Senate has approved a total of ₦124.2 billion as the 2024 budget for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF). The approval came during Wednesday’s plenary session following the presentation and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs.
The Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Yunus Akintunde (APC, Oyo State), presented the report and confirmed that the committee upheld the original budget proposal. According to him, ₦1.2 billion was allocated for personnel costs, while ₦98.6 billion was earmarked for capital projects aimed at improving police operations across the country.
Senator Akintunde explained that the fund would be used for training police personnel, renovating and building new police stations, and upgrading vital infrastructure. Other major areas of focus include the renovation of police barracks, upgrading of clinics, and the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to enhance police mobility and support cleaner energy usage.
The lawmaker stressed that these investments are designed to improve the welfare of police officers and strengthen law enforcement’s capacity to address security challenges in the country.
Reacting to the development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed optimism that the approved budget would greatly contribute to boosting national security if implemented properly. He also emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in the use of the funds.
Akpabio called on the Committee on Police Affairs to maintain strict oversight of how the funds are spent. He stated, “The expenditures from the Police Trust Fund should directly enhance security across the country. The committee must ensure proper oversight so that every Kobo appropriated is used effectively for the benefit of the police and the Nigerian people.”
The Nigeria Police Trust Fund was established to provide additional financing to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to address its training, welfare, equipment, and operational needs. The Trust Fund is seen as a vital mechanism for supporting police reforms and improving public safety and law enforcement effectiveness across the nation.
This budget approval is expected to lead to immediate actions aimed at modernising police operations and improving the working conditions of officers across Nigeria, especially at a time when the country continues to grapple with multiple security threats.
Observers say the implementation of this budget will be a key test of the government’s commitment to police reform and public accountability.
