CLEEN foundation applauds FG on PTFA enactment in NPF

CLEEN Foundation has lauded the Federal Government for enacting the Police Trust Fund Act (PTFA) to address challenges of poor funding that impact professionalism, effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian Police Fund (NPF).

In a communique signed by the  Executive Director  Benson Olugbuo at the just concluded 2-day Accountability and Transparency Dialogue on Police Trust Fund held in Abuja.  

In the communique, participants also agreed that transparency and accountability are essential in the proper management of the Trust Fund.

According to the communique, the Federal Government has underfunded the Nigeria police over the years. Funds appropriated for the NPF differs from actual funds released.

“Stakeholders’ unanimously agreed that despite the observed issues with the PTFA, the Federal Government should immediately commence implementation of the law. 

“The PTFA can be subjected to holistic amendment/review in the future to address gaps that have been identified or that may emerge from implementation. 

“The participants further noted that there may be conflict in the powers of the Executive Secretary of the Police Trust Fund, the Minister of Police Affairs, Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission. 

The participants also recommended that 

 Government should constitute the Board of Trustees of the Police Trust Fund in line with the powers and functions enshrined in the PTFA.

They said the Minister of Police Affairs should immediately recommend in a transparent manner, a credible and capable citizen of Nigeria to the President for immediate appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Police Trust Fund.

“That the Board of Trustees when appointed should ensure proper transparency and accountability in the operations of the Trust Fund. 

“That the Board of Trustees should ensure that the disbursement of funds is based on needs assessment duly prepared by the NPF in a transparent and accountable manner. 

“That the Federal Government should ensure the release of all levies and monies due to the Fund by directing relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to comply.

“Budgetary provisions for the management of the Fund be commenced through the 2019 supplementary budget to the National Assembly.

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