Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has described the disruption during the Police budget defence at the National Assembly as “unnecessary and avoidable,” clarifying that the document he presented was shared with all committee members beforehand.
The incident occurred on Thursday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, during the presentation of the Nigeria Police Force 2025 budget to the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions.
The IGP explained that two versions of the budget documents were provided to the committee members: a comprehensive copy and an abridged version. He said, “While both contained the 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.”
The IGP described the incident as “unnecessary drama that could have been avoided had the senator been receptive to the clarifications provided.”
In response to media reports suggesting that the Police submitted two different budgetary proposals, Egbetokun categorically denied the claims. He stated, “The Nigeria Police Force did not submit two different 2025 budgetary proposal documents to the joint committees at the National Assembly.”
A statement released by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, outlined the significant challenges faced by the NPF regarding budget allocations.
“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,” Adejobi said.
In concluding his remarks, the IGP appealed for public understanding and support. “The public should remain patient and supportive of the Police as the Force remains committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism and dedication,” Egbetokun stated.