IGP Clarifies Budget Presentation Incident at National Assembly, Seeks Public Cooperation
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has addressed the controversy surrounding the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) 2025 budget presentation to the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly in Abuja on January 16, 2025.
In a statement released on Friday, January 17, 2025, the IGP described the disruption during the session as unnecessary and avoidable. He clarified that the budget documents submitted to the committees included both a comprehensive version and an abridged version. While the two documents contained identical figures and details, the abridged version used simplified language to enhance clarity.
According to the IGP, committee members had unanimously agreed at the start of the session that he should present the abridged version, as they all had access to both documents. However, Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, who arrived late to the session, began referencing the comprehensive version during the IGP’s presentation. Despite explanations from other committee members about the prior agreement and the consistency between the documents, the senator rejected the clarifications and abruptly walked out of the session.
The IGP dismissed the incident as unnecessary drama, emphasizing that no discrepancies existed between the documents. He also debunked reports suggesting that the NPF submitted two separate budget proposals, describing such claims as misleading.
Addressing broader challenges, the IGP highlighted the persistent issue of inadequate funding, which hampers modernization and effective service delivery within the Force. He also cited the restrictive envelope budget system and delays in fund releases as obstacles to the NPF’s ability to meet its expanding responsibilities.
Dr. Egbetokun called on Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, assuring the public of the Force’s commitment to professionalism and exceptional service delivery despite funding limitations.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
January 17, 2025.
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