Nigerian Senate has approved a combined N404.07 billion for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, clearing both the 2025 budget of N170.10 billion and the 2026 budget of N233.96 billion to bolster policing and security infrastructure across the country.
The approvals came on Thursday following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, led in the absence of its chairman by Acting Chairman Senator Yunus Akintunde of Oyo Central.
The 2025 budget required fresh legislative approval because implementation of a previously sanctioned allocation had been stalled for nearly three years by legal disputes arising from a proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Establishment Act.
"Because of legal issues, the Trust Fund has not been able to spend a kobo.
"We encourage the Fund to ensure that every kobo appropriated is properly utilised, and the National Assembly will track its implementation," Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi of Bauchi Central said.
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The 2026 budget of N233.96 billion drew particular praise for its spending structure, with more than 90 per cent dedicated to capital expenditure.
Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno described it as a model other government agencies should emulate.
"Capital spending has greater potential to positively impact the operations of agencies," he said.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary and said the approved funds would strengthen the police in addressing kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
"We hope that this sum of money approved today will be utilised in a manner that will add more impetus to the Nigeria Police Force in fighting crime and addressing insecurity," he said.
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