The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, clarified on Friday that the Nigeria Police Force did not submit two different 2025 budgetary proposal documents to the joint committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions of the National Assembly, contrary to reports circulating in some quarters.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, regarding the drama that unfolded during the presentation, IGP Egbetokun described the near disruption of the session as “unnecessary and avoidable.” He explained that the document presented had been shared with all committee members beforehand.
According to the statement, *“The IGP explained that two versions of the budget documents were provided to the committee members: a comprehensive copy and an abridged version.
“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 was presenting 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.
“The IGP reiterates that the Nigeria Police 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 media.”*
The Inspector-General of Police also highlighted the significant challenges faced by the Nigeria Police Force with respect to budget allocations. According to him, 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.
The IGP called on the public to remain patient and supportive of the Police, assuring that the Force remains committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism and dedication.