Fast-track police procurement, Reps urge FG 

House of Representatives

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The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Government to revamp all procurement processes under the Nigeria Police Trust Fund in a bid to boost the operational readiness of police personnel in response to nationwide security.

The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rivers lawmaker, Hon Victor Obuzor, during Thursday’s plenary.

The NPTF was established under the 2019 Police Act to provide sustainable funding for training, welfare, infrastructure, equipment, and logistics for the police.

The statutory allocation to the Fund was increased from 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent of the Federation Account in 2025 as part of efforts to boost police modernisation and internal security capabilities.

Obuzor expressed concern that despite rising insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnappings, one-chance attacks, and other violent crimes, critical police equipment and logistics remain trapped in bureaucratic bottlenecks, delaying procurement and distribution.

“These delays undermine the President’s directive and severely limit the Police Force’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to threats across the country,” Obuzor said.

Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said the security of citizens, protection of lives and property, and restoration of public confidence require urgent and decisive action from all relevant government authorities and the NPTF.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to call on the Minister of Finance, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, the Director of Funds, the Director of the Budget Office, and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement to immediately fast-track all procurement processes under the NPTF.

“These include tenders, vendor evaluations, contract awards and the purchase of vehicles, surveillance and communication equipment, protective gear, operational supplies, and other essential logistics for immediate deployment to police commands across the country,” Obuzor added.

The lawmakers also said the distribution of available equipment and logistics should be prioritised for high-risk and conflict-prone areas identified in the security emergency declaration.

They also approved the establishment of a special oversight and monitoring committee comprising members of the House, representatives of the NPTF and the Ministry of Police Affairs, as well as accredited civil society organisations, “to monitor the implementation of the procurement process, ensure transparency, eliminate delays, and guarantee value for money.”

The House further directed that interim logistics support, including consumables, maintenance, and rapid-deployment kits, should be provided without delay to sustain police mobility and operations while procurement is being completed.

It also mandated the NPTF to submit a comprehensive action plan within 14 days, detailing timelines for procurement, distribution, deployment and impact assessment of upgraded equipment and logistics nationwide.

The House further committed to periodic 90-day reviews of progress until full implementation and satisfactory deployment are achieved, with public updates to promote transparency and accountability.

Despite the noble intention of setting up the Fund, the NPTF’s history has been fraught with serious allegations, investigations and critiques — especially around procurement and quality control.

In 2021, a civil society group, the  African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to probe alleged “multi-billion naira fraud” by NPTF management. The group claimed that NPTF procured “substandard equipment” — including bullet-proof vests, helmets, and vehicles for the police.

The value of the questionable procurement was put at about ₦11bn.

It was also alleged that the management ignored due process: equipment was procured without proper oversight, and the Board of Trustees was not consulted or involved as required under the NPTF Act.

Dirisu, has over 12 years experience covering political parties, National Assembly, sports, transportation, etc, and currently works with The PUNCH

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