Disu insists operational realities must guide Trust Fund decisions as Senate reviews 2026 re-enactment bill
By peterside Rejoice
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for stronger operational control by the Nigeria Police Force over procurement, planning, and needs assessment under the proposed re-enactment of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) Act, 2026.
Disu made the call on Monday in Abuja during a stakeholder engagement with the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, where discussions centered on key provisions of the bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019, to strengthen funding, training, infrastructure, and welfare support for the Nigeria Police Force.
The engagement followed a public hearing held on June 2, 2026, where stakeholders, including the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Femi Sheidu, urged the National Assembly to support the re-enactment of the bill, describing it as critical to improving the Fund’s governance structure and expanding its capacity to deliver on its mandate.
The proposed legislation is designed to enhance sustainable funding for police training, equipment procurement, and welfare, while also addressing structural gaps in the current Trust Fund framework, including governance arrangements and the removal of the sunset clause.
Speaking after the meeting, the IGP described the discussions with lawmakers as “robust and productive,” noting that both sides reviewed critical concerns around implementation, particularly how operational needs are identified and translated into procurement decisions.
“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,” Disu said.
He stressed that officers deployed in active operations are best positioned to determine priority needs, arguing that effective policing depends on aligning procurement decisions with real-time security realities on the ground.
According to him, excluding field officers from planning processes could lead to mismatched procurement outcomes that fail to address pressing operational challenges.
“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 said.
Disu further cited the Lagos State Security Trust Fund model as an example of a functional partnership system where operational commanders are consulted before procurement decisions are finalised, ensuring better alignment between funding and security outcomes.
He noted that such a structure improves efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness in security delivery.
Earlier in the session, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam Mador, said the engagement was necessary following submissions received during the June 2 public hearing, which highlighted areas requiring further consultation.
He explained that key aspects under review include the governance structure of the Trust Fund, the composition of its board, and the authority responsible for conducting needs assessments for the Nigeria Police Force.
Mador said the National Assembly remained committed to enacting a law that is practical, transparent, and capable of improving policing outcomes nationwide.
“As legislators, it is our constitutional responsibility to enact laws that will stand the test of time and effectively serve the public interest. Our objective is to ensure that the final product is robust, practical, and enjoys the confidence and support of all critical stakeholders,” he said.
He added that the Senate Committee would continue consultations with stakeholders across security agencies, civil society, and relevant institutions before finalising its report on the bill.
The NPTF re-enactment bill is expected to provide a stronger legal framework for sustainable funding and institutional support for the Nigeria Police Force, with emphasis on improved accountability, efficiency, and operational effectiveness in internal security management.
