The Senate has approved a combined ₦404.07 billion for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), endorsing the Fund’s 2025 and 2026 budgets to strengthen policing, improve security operations and support critical infrastructure nationwide.
Lawmakers approved ₦170.10 billion for the 2025 fiscal year and ₦233.96 billion for 2026 after considering reports presented by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs.
Senate Explains 2025 Budget Approval
Presenting the committee’s report, Acting Chairman Senator Yunus Akintunde said the 2025 proposal was a re-presented budget because legal issues prevented the implementation of an earlier appropriation.
According to him, the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, 2019, and other circumstances beyond the Fund’s control stalled the previously approved budget.
“The budget is being represented as the 2025 budget proposal for legislative consideration and approval.”
Lawmakers Back Increased Police Funding
During the debate, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi described the Police Trust Fund as a vital intervention designed to bridge funding gaps within the Nigeria Police Force.
However, he expressed concern that legal disputes had prevented the Fund from spending appropriated money for almost three years. He urged the agency to ensure prudent use of every allocation approved by the National Assembly.
2026 Budget Prioritises Capital Projects
The Senate also approved the Fund’s ₦233.96 billion budget for 2026.
Furthermore, lawmakers noted that more than 90 per cent of the allocation is dedicated to capital expenditure, including security equipment, operational logistics and infrastructure.
Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno praised the spending structure, saying other government agencies should emulate the Police Trust Fund’s emphasis on capital projects.
Senate Expresses Confidence
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, commended the committee for its work and expressed confidence that the approved funds would strengthen policing across the country.
He said the allocation should improve the Nigeria Police Force’s capacity to combat kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other security threats.
Police Trust Fund to Boost Security Operations
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund remains a key intervention mechanism for financing police training, equipment procurement, operational logistics and personnel welfare.
The Senate expressed hope that the newly approved budgets would enhance the operational effectiveness of the police as the country continues to confront growing security challenges.
