The Nigerian Senate has approved a total of ₦403.1 billion for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years, in a move aimed at strengthening policing and supporting efforts to tackle terrorism, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.
The upper chamber approved ₦170.1 billion for the Police Trust Fund’s 2025 budget and ₦233 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.
The approved 2026 allocation covers personnel expenses, capital projects and overhead costs designed to improve the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Lawmakers expressed optimism that the funding would enhance the provision of essential equipment, infrastructure, training and other resources required to improve security operations nationwide.
The approval comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of crime, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, with citizens demanding stronger measures to improve public safety.
Tinubu Sends Criminal Justice Reform Bill to Senate
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a bill to the Senate seeking to reform Nigeria’s criminal justice system through the repeal and reenactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The proposed legislation seeks to replace the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, with a new Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2026, aimed at addressing challenges affecting the effective administration of justice.
One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a Criminal Justice Monitoring Council to oversee the implementation of the law in courts within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other federal courts across the country.
In a letter presented to the Senate during plenary, President Tinubu said the proposed reforms are designed to address procedural weaknesses and long-standing issues that have delayed the speedy delivery of justice.
The President added that the bill would modernise Nigeria’s criminal justice system by promoting the use of technology, introducing innovative approaches and improving coordination among relevant institutions.
The proposed legislation will be considered by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.
