SENATE MOVES TO RESTRUCTURE POLICE TRUST FUND, PROPOSES 1% ALLOCATION AMID FISCAL CONCERNS
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By; Ganiyat Sunmola
SENATE ADVANCES POLICE TRUST FUND REFORM, PROPOSES 1% REVENUE ALLOCATION AMID FISCAL CONCERNS
The Senate on Tuesday moved forward with efforts to restructure police funding by passing the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025, for second reading. The proposed legislation seeks to increase statutory allocation to 1 per cent of revenue from the Federation Account, despite concerns raised over its fiscal and constitutional implications.
Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the bill aims to repeal the 2019 Act and introduce a stronger legal and institutional framework for financing and supporting the Nigeria Police Force.
Leading the debate, Bamidele said the proposal is a key national security intervention designed to address long-standing challenges facing the police, including inadequate funding, outdated equipment, poor infrastructure, and low morale among personnel.
He noted that Nigeria’s evolving security challenges—ranging from insurgency and banditry to kidnapping and cybercrime—demand a more modern and well-equipped policing system.
The bill also proposes a diversified funding structure beyond federal allocations, including development levies, international donor support, and private sector contributions. It further introduces enhanced governance mechanisms such as a multi-stakeholder board and a Project Implementation Committee to strengthen transparency and accountability.
However, the proposal drew mixed reactions from senators.
Senator Abdul Ningi warned that increasing statutory deductions could further reduce the Federation Account, potentially limiting resources available for distribution to federal, state, and local governments. He also raised accountability concerns regarding donor funds.
Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo questioned the consistency of the funding model, especially in light of ongoing discussions around state policing, calling for clearer policy alignment.
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari also expressed reservations, advocating a performance-based funding system to ensure efficiency and prevent waste.
On his part, Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno defended the bill, stating that its funding provisions are constitutionally valid when backed by legislation passed by the National Assembly.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the bill is intended not only to address funding gaps but also to correct structural inefficiencies in the management of the Trust Fund, adding that accountability must be guaranteed to ensure tangible results across police formations.
Following deliberations, the Senate approved the bill for second reading through a voice vote and referred it to the Committee on Police Affairs for further legislative consideration, with a report expected within two weeks.
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