For the Records: IGP Egbetokun addresses controversy over budget presentation at NASS

For the Records: IGP Egbetokun addresses controversy over budget presentation at NASS

Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has refuted reports that the Nigeria Police Force sent two distinct budget requests for 2025 to the National Assembly’s joint committees on police affairs and police institutions.

IGP Egbetokun responded to the recent controversy surrounding the presentation in a statement released in Abuja on Friday by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).

He described the near disruption of the session as “unnecessary and avoidable” and clarified that the document presented was the same one that had been shared with all committee members in advance.

The IGP’s clarification comes in response to circulating reports that had suggested discrepancies in the submitted budget documents.

Egbetokun emphasised that the police had followed the proper procedures and had provided the necessary documentation to the committees well before the presentation.

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, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has shed light on the significant budgetary challenges currently facing the Nigeria Police Force.

In his statement, the IGP pointed out that insufficient funding, a restrictive envelope budgeting system, and delays in fund disbursements are major obstacles hindering the Force’s modernization efforts and its capacity to provide effective service delivery.

Egbetokun emphasised that these financial constraints continue to impede the Force’s ability to meet its growing and evolving responsibilities.