Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has refuted claims that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) submitted two different versions of its 2025 budget to the National Assembly.
The clarification contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.The controversy arose during the presentation of the NPF’s budget to the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions.
Egbetokun explained that the police provided two versions of the budget documents: a comprehensive copy and an abridged version. Both versions contained identical figures and information, but the abridged version was simplified for easier comprehension.
The IGP noted that committee members had agreed beforehand that he would present the abridged version. However, an incident occurred when Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi (Ebonyi North), who arrived late, began referencing the comprehensive version. Despite clarifications from other committee members that both versions were consistent and the decision to present the abridged version had been mutually agreed upon, the senator left the session in protest.
Describing the incident as “unnecessary drama,” Egbetokun emphasized that there was no intention to mislead the National Assembly. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the NPF, including inadequate funding, the restrictive envelope budget system, and delays in fund releases, which hinder the Force’s ability to modernize and effectively meet its responsibilities.
The IGP urged the public to support the Police as they continue to work towards improving service delivery with professionalism and dedication.
