Stakeholders on Tuesday threw their weight behind the proposed amendment of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019. They said the changes are needed to give the Nigeria Police Force more resources to handle the country’s rising security challenges.
The endorsement came at a one-day public hearing held by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs. Sen. Ahmed Mallam-Madori chaired the session where officials, lawmakers and security experts reviewed the bill.
Mohammed Sheidu, Executive Secretary of the NPTF, told the committee why the review matters. He said the Fund was created in 2019 to fix long-standing gaps in police training, equipment, infrastructure and staff welfare. Over the last six years it has served as a key intervention platform. 
Sheidu however noted that running the current Act has exposed problems. He pointed to legislative, structural and funding limitations that have slowed progress. Those gaps, he argued, now require a stronger legal framework to make the Fund more effective.
He also stressed that Nigeria’s security landscape has changed since 2019. Threats like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and organised crime have grown more complex. The proposed law, he said, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by providing stable funding for police modernisation, technology, training and welfare.
Sen. Mallam-Madori called the proposed 2026 Act timely. A major part of it removes the Fund’s sunset clause and doubles the statutory allocation from 0.5 per cent to one per cent. He added that police reform is not a one-off project. It needs long-term planning and steady investment.
Support also came from the Ministry of Justice. Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General, was represented by Imarha Reuben. He said the bill would improve the Force’s operational capacity and efficiency through sustainable funding, modern equipment, better infrastructure and improved welfare packages.
The Ministry of Police Affairs echoed that view. Permanent Secretary Anuma Nlia said repealing and re-enacting the Act would build on gains already recorded. He noted that NPTF has boosted police effectiveness by building and rehabilitating stations, barracks and accommodation nationwide.
Wrapping up, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Sen. Osita Ngwu, declared the hearing open. He described the Nigeria Police Force as central to internal security. He said the 2019 Fund was a bold move to provide supplementary funding, and the amendment will further strengthen professionalism, welfare and operational readiness.
