Senate Moves to Repeal Police Trust Fund Act as New Bill Passes Second Reading

The bill seeking to repeal the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019 and establish a new legal framework for sustainable financing of the Nigeria Police Force has passed second reading in the National Assembly.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Bill, 2026 (SB 1030), aims to strengthen funding for police equipment, training, and welfare, while introducing a revised structure for resource allocation to the Force.

Debate on the bill was intense, with lawmakers divided over the constitutionality of proposed deductions from the Federation Account.

Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo, representing Gombe North, raised concerns over a proposed 0.5 per cent deduction, warning that it could be struck down if challenged in court.

He referenced past controversies where similar provisions were invalidated following objections from state governors.

Dankwambo further questioned how the funding framework would align with ongoing national discussions around the possible creation of state police structures.

Other lawmakers, including Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, argued that the central challenge facing the police was not necessarily funding volume, but inadequate operational tools and logistics.

According to him, Nigeria’s approximately 300,000 police officers currently serve a population exceeding 200 million.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that while there is consensus on improving police funding, compliance with the Constitution remains paramount.

“The Constitution of Nigeria is the ground norm,we make the laws, so we shouldn’t be the ones breaking the law” he said.

Akpabio urged lawmakers to examine whether the bill aligns with Sections 80 and 81 of the Constitution, which govern withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

In response, Chief Whip, Sen. Mohammed Tahir Monguno cited Section 80(2), arguing that the National Assembly has the authority to legislate expenditures charged to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

However, Akpabio maintained that Section 81 requires such expenditures to be captured in the annual Appropriation Act rather than implemented as direct statutory deductions.

Following deliberations, the bill was passed for second reading through a voice vote, with the “Ayes” carrying the day.

Akpabio also announced that the bill would proceed to a public hearing to address concerns around accountability, alternative funding sources, and its compatibility with proposed state policing reforms.

He also directed the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to review and brief the chamber on previous Police Trust Fund expenditures.

The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, which is expected to report back within two weeks.