Police enters new era with passage of landmark reform bills

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigeria Police Force has taken a historic stride in its reform journey following the National Assembly’s passage of the Police Institutes Establishment Bill and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

These laws according to a statement on Monday by the Force spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin “provide a solid legal foundation for building a modern, accountable, and well-equipped police institution” tailored to the needs of a dynamic society.

The Police Institutes Establishment Act aims to “consolidate and modernize all police training and research institutions,” ensuring that curricula align with global standards in law enforcement, leadership, investigation, technology, and community policing.

This will enable the Force to “coordinate professional training more effectively and prepare officers for the complexities of modern-day policing.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Amendment) Act strengthens the Force’s financial structure by guaranteeing “consistent and well-managed funding for operations, logistics, training, equipment, and welfare.”

This addresses long-standing challenges around financing critical to maximizing policing effectiveness.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their roles, describing the legislation as “a strong demonstration of the administration’s resolve to modernize and professionalize policing in Nigeria.”

He assured citizens that the Force will “redouble efforts to elevate its training standards, nurture world-class officers, and consolidate ongoing reforms to deliver efficient, accountable, and citizen-focused policing.”