IGP addresses budget presentation controversy at National Assembly

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has addressed the incident that occurred during the presentation of the Nigeria Police Force 2025 budget to the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, on Thursday, January 16.

In a statement on Friday by the Police Force Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, the IGP described the disruption as unnecessary and avoidable, explaining that the document he presented was shared with all committee members beforehand.

Egbetokun explained that two versions of the budget documents were provided to the committee members, a comprehensive copy and an abridged version.

Adejobi wrote, “While both contained same figures and facts, the abridged version used simplified language to facilitate understanding. At the start of the session, the committee members unanimously agreed with a motion that the IGP should present the abridged version since they all had access to both documents.

“However, distinguished Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi (Ebonyi North), who arrived late, began referencing the comprehensive version while the IGP presented the abridged version. Despite explanations from other committee members about the earlier agreement and the consistency between both versions, the senator refused to listen and abruptly left the session.”

Egbetokun described the incident as unnecessary drama that could have been avoided had the senator been receptive to the clarifications provided.

“The IGP reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force did not submit two different 2025 budgetary proposal documents to the joint committees at the National Assembly, contrary to the reports circulating in the news and media outlets.

“The Inspector-General has also reiterated the significant challenges the NPF faces with budget allocations. These include inadequate funding, which hampers modernization and effective service delivery, the restrictive envelope budget system, and delays in fund releases. These challenges continue to impede the Force’s ability to address its expanding and dynamic responsibilities,” the statement said.

The IGP thereby called on the public to remain patient and supportive of the Police, reiterating that the Force remains committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism and dedication.