The Senate on Tuesday moved to reform police funding by passing the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025, for second reading, proposing an increase in statutory allocation to 1 per cent of revenue accruing to the Federation Account, amid concerns over fiscal and constitutional implications. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to repeal the 2019 Act and introduce a strengthened legal and institutional framework for funding, administration, and support of the Nigeria Police Force.
Opening debate on the bill, Bamidele described it as a strategic national security measure designed to tackle persistent challenges facing the police, including inadequate funding, obsolete equipment, poor infrastructure, and low personnel morale.
He argued that Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, marked by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and cybercrime, demands a modern, better-resourced policing system.
The Senate Leader further explained that the bill provides for a diversified funding model, extending beyond government allocations to include development levies, international grants, and private sector contributions.
It also proposes enhanced governance mechanisms, including a multi-stakeholder board and a Project Implementation Committee, aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and project execution.
However, the proposal drew sharp reactions from several lawmakers.
Senator Abdul Ningi warned that increasing statutory deductions could significantly shrink the Federation Account, noting that cumulative allocations may reduce funds available for distribution among the three tiers of government.
He also raised concerns about accountability, particularly in relation to donor funding.
Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo questioned the coherence of the funding framework in light of ongoing national conversations around state policing, calling for clearer policy alignment.
Similarly, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari expressed reservations over fund management, advocating a performance-based disbursement system to ensure measurable outcomes and reduce waste.
Defending the bill, Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno maintained that the proposed funding structure is constitutionally valid when backed by legislation enacted by the National Assembly.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the bill addresses not only funding gaps but also structural inefficiencies in the administration of the Trust Fund.
He acknowledged lawmakers’ concerns about accountability and emphasised the need for a framework that delivers visible impact across police formations nationwide.
Following extensive deliberation, the Senate adopted the bill through a voice vote and referred it to the Committee on Police Affairs for further legislative scrutiny, with a report expected within two weeks.