15Dec, 23
- Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq
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The Nigeria Police Force has appealed to the National Assembly to ensure adequate funding to aid its modernisation and reform agenda as the country’s lead agency in internal security. Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun made the appeal on Thursday, during the 2024 Budget Defence of the Nigeria Police Force at a Joint Session of the Senate and House Committees on Police Affairs/Institutions.
Presenting a brief before members of the Joint Committee, the IGP lamented that appropriations in respect of Overhead Cost and Capital Budgets to the Force over the years have failed to meet its basic funding requirements. This is as he stressed that only about sixty-six percent (66.6%) of appropriation for the Force in 2023 was released.
IGP Egbetokun went on to list the challenges of the Force to include inadequate appropriation and non-release of appropriated funds, as well as the envelope (ceilings) budgeting system which does not reflect the actual needs, size, and scope of responsibility of the Force. The Police boss further reeled out a list of prayers before parliament including the removal of the Force from the envelope budgeting regime and approval of adequate funds for special operations. They also urged the National Assembly to consider the tightening of legislation criminalising the non-release of funds appropriated by law.
In separate remarks, some members of the three committees underscored the need for adequate funding of the Police. Rep. Abubakar Suleiman Gummi (PDP, Zamfara) raised concerns about the non-payment of volunteer recruits and their non-absorption into the Force despite the years of dedication put in to support the fight against crime in the state.
Another member of the committee expressed worry that only about 163 students graduated from the Police College, in comparison with over 2,500 officers that recently retired from the Force. Suggestions were thus made for the absorption of graduates into the Force as Short Service recruitment. Others who spoke at the session also called for effective monitoring of contracts awarded in Police Institutions across the country.
On their part, Co-Chairmen of the Joint Committee, Senator Ahmed Madori (Police Affairs) Rep. Abubakar Makki Yalleman (Police Affairs) and Rep. Muhammad Salihu-Jirei (Police Institutions) all pledged to do justice to the budget to enable the Force succeed in their mandate. They assured that the National Assembly will do the needful amidst the current financial constraints.
According to the 2024 Budget Proposal of the Nigeria Police Force; a total of N912.048bn Is proposed for the next financial year, with N52,310bn proposed for capital expenditure. On the other hand, the sum of N58,753bn and N800,985bn Is proposed for overhead and personnel cost respectively.
The Police Boss had earlier listed the manpower strength of the Force as at date to be 323,246 personnel spread across the country. The Force also has 7,000 formations including Police training institutions, specialised units, etc.
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