FG approves N4bn for fuelling of police vehicles — ‘first time in history of the force’

The federal government has approved over N4 billion for the fuelling of police vehicles.

Muhammad Dingyadi, minister of police affairs, disclosed this at the National Institute of Police Studies on Tuesday.

Dingyadi said the amount will cover expenditure on fuel supply to police commands in the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory.

He said the amount approved for the fuelling in the 2021 budget was the first in the history of the police, adding that the ministry will sustain the gesture.

“The Ministry is deeply grateful to Mr. President and the National Assembly for approving funds for the supply of fuel to the 36 state Police commands across the country and FCT, to increase their efficiency,” Dingyadi said.

“As we speak, the Police Trust Fund has awarded contracts for the supply of more operational vehicles, body protection vest, helmet, arms and ammunition, drugs and medical equipment, and other critical security hardware.”

The minister pledged the commitment of the ministry to prioritise the training and development of police officers.

He said the ministry in conjunction with the leadership of the police has developed strategies to meet the training and development needs of police officers.

As parts of efforts to increase police efficiency and cater to the welfare of officers, President Muhammadu Buhari, in 2018, approved an enhanced salary structure for the Nigeria Police Force.

Following the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, Buhari also directed the national salaries, income and wages commission to finalise the new salary structure for members of the force.

The directive was in line with one of the demands of the protesters, which called for an upward review of salaries of officers, in a bid to curb police brutality and harassment.