The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has explained that two versions of the Force’s budget were provided to the sitting of the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly on Thursday.
According to a statement on Friday by the Force Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi, there was a comprehensive copy for the committee members, and an abridged version.
Adejobiexplained: “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”.
During the session, disagreements among Senators and House of Representatives members over procedure disrupted the 2025 budget defence of the Nigeria Police Force.
A shocked Egbetokun, looked helplessly as he watched the unfolding altercations among the lawmakers.
Adejobi recalled that Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi (Ebonyi North), who arrived late, began referencing the comprehensive version, while the IGP presented the abridged one. 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. He reiterated that the 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.
“In conclusion, the IGP called on the public to remain patient and supportive of the Police as the Force remains committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism and dedication”, Adejobi said.
