By Ahmed Akanbi
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s security sector have thrown their weight behind the proposed amendment and reenactment of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, saying the changes are needed to address funding gaps and equip the police for current security challenges.
The position was made at a one-day public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja with representatives of the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission, Nigeria Police Trust Fund, NPTF, Attorney General of the Federation, and the Ministry of Police Affairs in attendance.
Presenting the position of the NPTF, Executive Secretary Mohammed Sheidu said the Fund was established in 2019 to address longstanding funding deficits in training, equipment, infrastructure, and personnel welfare of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, the Fund has over the past six years served as a “strategic intervention platform supporting the transformation of the Nigeria Police Force.”
He, however, said implementation of the 2019 Act had exposed “significant legislative, structural, and funding limitations,” making a more progressive legal framework necessary.
Sheidu noted that security threats have become more complex since 2019, citing banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, organized criminal networks, and emerging technological threats.
“The Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has placed security at the centre of its Renewed Hope Agenda, and the proposed legislation would provide a stronger institutional framework for sustainable funding of police modernisation, training, technology, infrastructure, and personnel welfare,” he said.
He added that a safer Nigeria would encourage investment, improve agricultural productivity, reduce inflationary pressures linked to insecurity, and enhance quality of life.
Sheidu described the proposed Nigerian Police Trust Fund Act, 2026 as “timely and critical,” highlighting two major provisions, especially the removal of the “sunset clause, and the increment from 0.5% to 1%, saying the proposal is necessary to meet current security realities.
The Attorney General of the Federation, represented by Imarha Oghenenyerowo Reuben, said the office “strongly supports the amendment to the Police Trust Fund Act for improved funding for the Police Force.”
The IGP’s representative supported the bill but faulted the proposal that the Minister of Police Affairs should give needs assessment to the Fund. “He who wears the shoes knows where it hurts most,” the representative said, arguing that the IGP should perform that role.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya, also supported the bill and thanked the Senate for organizing the public hearing.
Senator Abdul Ningi, (Bauchi Central), supported the amendment but observed that “the police are not being taken care of despite our huge investment.”
He lamented that “despite presidential order, you still see VIPs utilizing 20-30 police personnel attached to one person, sometimes not even a public officer.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Osita Ngwu, (Enugu West), said the Fund has recorded notable achievements, citing capacity development in counter-terrorism, tactical operations, intelligence-led policing, EOD, mechanical and technical training, psychological support, and leadership development for commandants.
On infrastructure, Akpabio noted contributions including construction of new barracks and office complexes,
rehabilitation of police stations, perimeter fencing, Smart Police Stations, modern divisional headquarters, and rank-and-file accommodation.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid Malam-Madori, who presided over the hearing, assured stakeholders that their contributions would be integrated into the bill.