The Senate has passed the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2025, for second reading, amid concerns over its constitutional implications and proposed funding structure.
The bill, sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to repeal the existing 2019 Act and establish a more robust legal and institutional framework for funding, administering and supporting the operations of the Nigeria Police Force.
Leading the debate during plenary, Bamidele described the proposed legislation as a strategic national security intervention aimed at addressing chronic underfunding, weak infrastructure, obsolete equipment and welfare challenges within the police.
He noted that evolving security threats, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and cybercrime, require a modernised and sustainably financed policing system.
A key provision of the bill is a diversified funding model anchored on one per cent of total revenue accruing to the Federation Account, up from the current 0.5 per cent. Other funding sources include development levies, government interventions, international grants and private sector contributions.
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The bill also proposes a strengthened governance structure, including a multi-stakeholder board and a Project Implementation Committee to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in execution.
However, concerns were raised by several lawmakers. Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo questioned the legal basis for increasing the statutory allocation without amending the Constitution. He also expressed reservations about how the proposed funding framework would align with ongoing discussions on the establishment of state police.
In response, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, argued that the bill does not contravene constitutional provisions, maintaining that it applies uniformly across the country.
Also contributing, Senator Abdul Ningi supported the bill but cautioned that increased statutory deductions could significantly reduce funds available in the Federation Account. He further raised concerns about accountability, particularly regarding donor funding.
Senator Abba Moro strongly backed the bill, stressing that inadequate funding has long undermined policing effectiveness. He noted that officers are often outgunned by criminals due to inferior equipment.
Similarly, Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno addressed constitutional concerns by citing Section 80(2) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that the proposed funding structure remains valid if backed by an Act of the National Assembly.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, acknowledged the concerns, noting that even the existing 0.5 per cent allocation has faced legal challenges. He emphasised the need for careful scrutiny of constitutional requirements and accountability provisions, suggesting that outstanding issues be addressed during the public hearing stage.
Akpabio also cautioned that strict oversight would be essential to prevent misuse of funds and ensure measurable impact nationwide.
Following deliberations, the bill was adopted through a voice vote and referred to the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, which has been given two weeks to report back.