The Senate on Wednesday approved N11.3 billion (11,352,457,101.70) as the budget of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) for the 2020 fiscal year.

Out of the amount, N1.3 billion was allocated for the procurement of teargas while N1 billion was allocated for the procurement of arms and ammunition.

The approval followed the consideration and adoption of the harmonized report of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Haliru Jika, presented the report.

The Senate approval came a week after President Muhammadu Buhari transmitted the budget to the Senate for consideration and approval.

The implementation of the budget would lapse on April 30, 2021.

Below is the breakdown of the N11.3 billion budget;

*Provision of specialised/operational vehicle double cabinet-pick-up van for patrol – N7,600,000,000

* Procurement of arms and ammunitions – N1,000,000,000

* Provision of COVID-19 protection kit for police personnel – N358,379,191

* Supply of drugs and medical equipment for police hospitals – N533,894,117

* Office furniture and equipment – N29,031,000

In his words, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, said the approval of the NPTF budget would “help the police to increase their capacities and of course, provide better and improved services across the country.

“This is one of the benefits of what we have passed here – the Police Trust Fund – and I’m sure that the National Assembly will continue to support our security agencies for optimal performance.”