President Bola Tinubu on Thursday presided over a crucial meeting of the Nigeria Police Council, which ratified the institutional framework to reform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The Council meeting followed a session of the National Council of State, both held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, told State House Correspondents that far-reaching decisions were taken to accelerate police reforms.
He confirmed that all proposals presented were approved in full by the Council .
One key proposal was to strengthen NPF reforms by increasing funding for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) and removing its six-year sunset clause.
Gaidam said the clause had hindered long-term planning and sustainable police development.
“The sunset clause in the current Act constrains sustainable reform and long-term development of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We are therefore seeking approval to repeal and re-enact the NPTF Establishment Act 2025, remove the sunset clause, and transition the Fund into a permanent agency.”
He also proposed raising the statutory deduction from the Federation Account from 0.5% to 1% to ensure stable funding for ongoing reforms.
According to Gaidam, the increase would empower NPTF to invest in training, modern policing tools, welfare, and technology-driven systems.
The Fund, he noted, was designed to modernise the police through improved communications, surveillance, and emergency response capabilities.
It also seeks to drive accountability, transparency, and private sector collaboration to tackle growing security challenges.
Gaidam outlined core objectives of the Fund, including boosting morale, encouraging private sector support, and maintaining operations despite budget shortfalls.
He acknowledged the Fund had helped close critical funding gaps, but said long-term financial sustainability was key.
“The one per cent allocation from the Federation Account will provide a financial buffer for critical police functions, especially during budgetary delays or constraints,” he said.
The minister underscored the need for enhanced funding to improve police effectiveness and national security outcomes.
“The increase of statutory deduction from 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent of the Federation Account. A directive to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to incorporate the approvals into the proposed Executive Bill for onward transmission to the National Assembly.”
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State told State House Correspondents that the Council of State earlier confirmed Dr. Amin Yusuf from Niger State as Chairman of the National Population Commission.
A federal commissioner for Yobe State was also approved, he added.
Sani further disclosed that a proposal for the prerogative of mercy for 175 inmates was approved, based on the Attorney General’s recommendation.
Dr Emanso Umobong, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, revealed the Council also approved national honours for 959 individuals for outstanding contributions to national development.
