The Nigerian Senate has passed the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Amendment Bill for second reading, signaling a plan to reform police funding and operations.
The bill is sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele who said the amendment will replace the 2019 law and explained that it aims to fix poor funding, weak infrastructure, and low morale.
Bamidele added that rising threats like insurgency and cybercrime demand a stronger police force.
The proposal seeks to increase funding to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund. It plans to raise allocation from 0.5 percent to 1 percent of Federation Account revenue. The fund will also receive support from grants and private sector contributions.
Some lawmakers raised concerns during debate. Abdul Ningi warned that higher deductions could reduce funds for government tiers. However, Abba Moro backed the bill, saying poor funding has weakened the police.
Chief Whip Tahir Monguno said the proposal remains constitutional if passed into law.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured lawmakers of strict oversight. He said the reform will improve transparency and accountability.
The Senate has referred the bill to the Committee on Police Affairs. The committee is expected to report back within two weeks.
