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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives on Thursday, called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) to urgently expedite the procurement and distribution of equipment and logistics support to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) following the nationwide security emergency declared by the President.
The call was made by Hon. Victor Obuzor Chukwuemele Muse, representing Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Federal Constituency, Rivers State, who moved a Motion of Urgent National Importance on the matter. He noted that while the NPTF was established in 2019 to provide sustainable funding for police welfare, infrastructure, training, equipment, and logistics, bureaucratic delays in procurement processes could hinder the police’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
Hon. Obuzor highlighted that the statutory allocation to the NPTF was recently increased from 0.5% to 1% of the Federation Account to strengthen funding for police modernization, including vehicles, surveillance and communication tools, protective gear, and other operational necessities.
“With the President’s Security Emergency declaration in response to escalating terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, armed violence, road theft, and other security challenges, it is imperative that police operations are fully equipped and able to respond promptly. Red tape in procurement threatens the safety of citizens and national stability,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed that delays in acquiring and distributing essential equipment and logistics could undermine police readiness and reduce public confidence in law enforcement.
The House urged relevant authorities, including the Minister of Finance, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Ministry Permanent Secretary and Director of Funds, the Director of Budget Office, and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, to act immediately to accelerate all procurement processes under the NPTF. This includes tenders, vendor evaluations, contract awards, and the provision of vehicles, communication and surveillance tools, protective gear, operational supplies, and other essential logistics.
Lawmakers also called for prioritization of equipment and logistics distribution to high-risk and conflict-prone areas identified in the Security Emergency declaration. They recommended the establishment of a special oversight committee, comprising lawmakers, NPTF representatives, Ministry of Police Affairs officials, and independent civil society stakeholders, to monitor procurement, ensure transparency, and prevent delays.
Hon. Obuzor emphasized the need for interim logistics support, such as fuel, consumables, maintenance, and rapid deployment kits, to maintain police operations while procurement activities are completed. He further demanded that the NPTF submit a comprehensive 14-day action plan detailing timelines for procurement, distribution, deployment, and impact assessment, with periodic reviews every 90 days until full implementation, accompanied by public reporting to promote accountability.
Describing the motion as a matter of urgent national importance, Hon. Obuzor underscored the critical need to safeguard lives, protect property, and restore public trust in law enforcement as the nation navigates the current security crisis.