THE Senate has approved a combined budget of ₦403.1 billion for the Nigerian Police Trust Fund for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years as part of efforts to strengthen policing and improve the country’s security architecture.
The approved allocation comprises ₦170.1 billion for the 2025 financial year and ₦233 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.
The 2026 budget is expected to cover personnel costs, capital projects and overhead expenses aimed at improving the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force.
Lawmakers expressed confidence that the funding would enhance the provision of essential equipment, infrastructure, training and other resources required to support police operations and tackle terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
The approval comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and increasing calls from Nigerians for stronger measures to curb crime nationwide.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a bill to the Senate seeking a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s criminal justice system through the repeal and reenactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
The proposed legislation, titled the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2026, is designed to modernise the country’s criminal justice framework and address existing gaps that have slowed the administration of justice.
One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a Criminal Justice Monitoring Council, which would oversee the implementation of the law in courts within the Federal Capital Territory and other federal courts across Nigeria.
In a letter read during plenary, President Tinubu said the proposed law seeks to resolve procedural challenges that have hindered the timely dispensation of justice while aligning the country’s legal system with modern developments.
The President also noted that the bill promotes the adoption of technology and other innovative measures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of criminal justice institutions.
The proposed legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative consideration.
