By Adewole Kehinde
The recent passage of the Police Institutes Establishment Bill and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025, by the National Assembly marks a monumental turning point in the history of the Nigeria Police Force.
It is not just another legislative achievement; it is the culmination of years of reform, modernisation, and visionary leadership under the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, whose commitment to institutional renewal and professionalism continues to redefine policing standards in Nigeria.
The passage of these two crucial pieces of legislation is a direct outcome of IGP Egbetokun’s tireless pursuit of a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centric police force.
His reform blueprint, anchored on capacity building, technology integration, improved welfare, and operational transparency, has now found strong legislative backing. This is a new era of strength and professionalism for the Nigeria Police Force.
The Police Institutes Establishment Act represents a bold step toward consolidating and modernising all police training and research institutions across the country.
It strengthens their administrative and academic frameworks, expands their institutional capacity, and ensures that training curricula reflect global best practices in law enforcement, leadership, intelligence, technology, and community policing.
With this Act, the Force can now harmonise and coordinate professional training more effectively, preparing officers for the complexities of modern-day policing, intelligence-led operations, and ethical law enforcement.
On the other hand, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Amendment) Act addresses a long-standing issue that has hampered the effectiveness of the Force: the need for sustainable and transparent funding.
This amendment fortifies the financial and administrative structures of the Trust Fund, ensuring greater fiscal accountability and stability.
It guarantees consistent, well-managed funding for operations, logistics, training, equipment, and welfare, key areas that directly impact performance and public trust.
Together, these landmark legislations tackle the decades-long gaps in training, infrastructure, and funding that have limited the full realisation of the Police’s operational potential.
They will transform the institutional framework of the Force, enabling training schools and colleges to upgrade their infrastructure, integrate modern technologies, and establish exchange and research partnerships with reputable local and international institutions.
Crucially, these reforms also prioritise officer welfare and motivation. The Acts make clear provisions for improved service conditions, enhanced health and insurance benefits, better housing, and structured career development pathways.
By addressing these long-neglected areas, the Police are being repositioned to deliver professional, ethical, and efficient service to Nigerians.
This achievement would not have been possible without the foresight and patriotism of the leadership and members of the National Assembly.
Their proactive commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Police Force through this vital legislative intervention deserves commendation.
They have demonstrated an understanding that national security begins with well-trained, well-equipped, and well-motivated law enforcement officers.
Equally worthy of commendation is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who wasted no time in assenting to these Bills.
His swift approval is a strong signal of his administration’s resolve to modernise and professionalise policing in Nigeria.
It underscores the government’s recognition that sustainable peace and security depend on a capable, well-supported, and accountable police force.
As the Nigeria Police enters this new era of legal and institutional strength, it is clear that the Egbetokun-led leadership has set the Force on a path of irreversible transformation.
With renewed statutory backing, the Police will redouble efforts to elevate training standards, nurture world-class officers, and consolidate ongoing reforms to deliver efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused policing services nationwide.
This development is not just a milestone for the Nigeria Police Force; it is a victory for national security, professionalism, and public trust.
Under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership, the Force is truly entering a new era, an era defined by strength, accountability, and service excellence.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166249846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
