Senate proposes N540bn annual fund for police

The Senate yesterday proposed an annual fund of N540 billion for the Nigeria Police Development Fund (NPDF) to enhance the security service delivery of the Nigeria Police Force.

The proposal was part of the recommendation of a bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Police Development Fund, sponsored by Senator Abu Ibrahim (APC, Katsina).

The draft law, which scaled second reading yesterday recommended that the NPDF when established be given half percent (0.5%) of the total revenue accruing to the federation account amounting to N370bn, 0.005 percent of the net profit of companies operating in the country, N50bn and 30 percent of money accrued to the Cyber Security fund, N120bn.

Leading the debate, Senator Ibrahim said from the three provisions, the NPDF when established will receive N540bn annually for training, provision of equipment, offices and barracks accommodation for the Police Force.

He said the NPDF will also coordinate aids, grants and assistance from international bilateral and multinational agencies meant for the Police.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu (PDP, Enugu) said the provision of 0.5 percent for the NPDF contradict section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

Drawing the attention of his colleagues that the provision requires the amendment of the constitution, he advocated for the decentralization of the police.

But senator Adamu Aliero (APC,Kebbi) kicked against the position of Ekweremadu on the establishment of state police, saying the problem of police was funding and not decentralization.

He also said if need be, the constitution should be amended to accommodate the half percent recommended for the NPDF.

Senate President Bukola Saraki referred the bill to the committees on Police, Judiciary, Human rights and legal matters for further legislative duties.