By Fatima Saka
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Monday in Abuja stressed that the Nigeria Police Force must play a central role in determining its operational needs as deliberations continue on the proposed Police Trust Fund reform bill at the Senate.
The IGP described the stakeholders’ engagement with the Senate Committee on Police Affairs as “robust and productive,” following discussions on the bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Disu said deliberations focused on key issues affecting the effective implementation of the Trust Fund, particularly needs assessment and governance structure.
“We came to discuss issues bordering on the implementation of the Police Trust Fund Bill, and a number of items were noted for deliberation. We had a robust discussion with members of the Senate and we are going home happy with the outcome of today’s meeting,” he said.
The police chief emphasized that officers on the ground are best positioned to identify priority needs for effective policing.
“The police are the ones who know what they need at every particular time. We are the ones who wear the boots and understand where the challenges lie,” he stated.
He drew parallels with the Lagos State Security Trust Fund model, where operational commanders are consulted before procurement decisions are made, noting that such an approach enhances efficiency and ensures that resources meet operational realities.
Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam Mador, said the meeting was convened following a public hearing held on June 2, 2026, where stakeholders’ submissions highlighted the need for further consultations on some provisions of the bill.
He explained that the proposed legislation is designed to strengthen the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and improve its capacity to support police funding, infrastructure, and operations 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.”
He added that critical areas under review include the governance structure of the Trust Fund, particularly the composition of its board, as well as the authority responsible for conducting needs assessments for the Nigeria Police Force.
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The Committee, he noted, remains committed to promoting accountability, transparency, efficiency, and effective service delivery through the reform process.
The Senate Committee is expected to continue consultations with relevant stakeholders before finalizing its report on the bill aimed at strengthening policing in Nigeria.
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