Senate Approves ₦404 Billion Budget for Nigeria Police Trust Fund

The Senate has officially approved a total of ₦404.07 billion for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, covering budget allocations for both the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. The approval consists of ₦170.10 billion for 2025 and ₦233.96 billion for 2026, aimed at bolstering police operations, infrastructure, and national security.

The approval followed the presentation of reports by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs. Regarding the 2025 budget, lawmakers noted that implementation had been previously stalled due to legal complications surrounding proposed amendments to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act. With those hurdles addressed, the budget was resubmitted for legislative clearance to ensure the agency could finally access and utilize the funds.

During the debate, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi highlighted the importance of the Trust Fund in closing funding gaps within the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that the agency had been unable to deploy critical resources for nearly three years due to the aforementioned legal disputes, and he urged the Fund to prioritize the transparent and effective use of the newly approved capital.

The 2026 budget proposal drew specific praise from senators for its fiscal structure, which directs over 90 percent of the allocation toward capital expenditure. Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno described this as a “model for other government agencies,” emphasizing that capital investment is essential for modernizing police infrastructure and enhancing operational effectiveness.

Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin lauded the committee for its detailed work. He expressed optimism that the infusion of these funds would provide the necessary impetus for the police to intensify their efforts against kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism nationwide.

The Nigeria Police Trust Fund was established to serve as a specialized intervention mechanism to provide additional resources for training, equipment procurement, and logistics. The Senate’s endorsement is seen as a strategic move to upgrade the capabilities of the force as it continues to navigate the country’s complex security challenges.