By Michael Agbaji
The Senate Committee on Police Affairs on Monday convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja to deliberate on key provisions of the proposed bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam Mador, said the engagement followed observations made during a public hearing held on June 2, 2026, where stakeholders’ submissions underscored the need for further consultations and consensus-building on critical aspects of the legislation.
He explained that the proposed bill is designed to strengthen the operational framework of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, with a view to enhancing police funding, infrastructure development, and capacity building nationwide.
“As legislators, it is our constitutional responsibility to enact laws that will stand the test of time and effectively serve the public interest,” Mador said. “Our objective is to ensure that the final product is robust, practical, and enjoys the confidence and support of all critical stakeholders.”
The Committee identified several areas requiring further deliberation, particularly issues relating to the governance structure of the Trust Fund, including the establishment and composition of its board, as well as the authority responsible for conducting needs assessments for the Nigeria Police Force.
Committee’s approach is anchored on accountability, transparency, efficiency, and effective service delivery, noting that the overarching goal is to strengthen the institution and improve policing outcomes across the country.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who participated in the meeting, underscored the importance of the Trust Fund in addressing longstanding funding challenges confronting the Nigeria Police Force.
He maintained that the police should play a central role in determining their operational requirements, given their firsthand understanding of security challenges and policing needs nationwide.
“The police are in the best position to determine their needs because we are the ones on the field and understand where the challenges lie,” he said.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Inspector-General described the deliberations as “robust and productive,” noting that major issues, including needs assessment mechanisms and board composition, received extensive attention.
“We are going home happy with the outcome of today’s meeting,” he added.
The Committee is expected to continue consultations with relevant stakeholders before finalizing its report on the bill. The proposed legislation is aimed at strengthening the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and enhancing the effectiveness of policing and security operations across the country.
