NPTF board chair Ibrahim leads push for modernisation of Nigeria Police Force

The Board of Trustees and Management of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) have agreed on measures to strengthen institutional governance, improve coordination and enhance the Fund’s capacity to support the modernisation of the Nigeria Police Force.

The resolutions followed a two-day strategic retreat held in Abuja, from September 15 to 16, 2026, under the theme: “Building a Shared Understanding of the Mandate and Operations of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and Fostering Effective Collaboration for Seamless Oversight.”

In his opening address at the retreat, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Rtd. DIG Zanna M. Ibrahim, emphasised the need for a clear distinction between the Board’s governance and oversight responsibilities and Management’s day-to-day administrative functions.

He said effective institutional performance required mutual respect, transparency, accountability, timely access to information and effective communication between the Board and the Secretariat.

According to him, the Board is responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight and accountability in line with the Fund’s enabling law, while Management is expected to implement approved policies and decisions through efficient operations.

Ibrahim stressed that the Board must be adequately informed and properly positioned to discharge its statutory responsibilities, adding that institutional processes must be guided by collective responsibility, due process and strict adherence to the law.

The retreat brought together members of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Secretary, senior Management officials and the Board Secretariat.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, who is also a member of the Board, participated in the proceedings.

Distinguished resource persons, including Professor Nasreedeen, Dr. Zakari Zakari Lawal and Dr. Maimuna Salim, alongside other experienced professionals and alumni of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), provided insights into governance, strategic leadership, institutional effectiveness and public-sector management.

Discussions focused on strengthening Board-Management relations, clarifying oversight and operational responsibilities, improving the timely flow of information and documentation, and enhancing the effectiveness of Board committees.
Participants also examined the need for appropriate Board consideration and approval of major programmes and projects, alongside improved transparency, accountability and compliance with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

Other areas of deliberation included strategic planning, budgeting, project implementation and monitoring, as well as stronger engagement among the Board, Management and other stakeholders.

The retreat also reviewed the strategic role of the NPTF in supporting the development and modernisation of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in the areas of police welfare, infrastructure, equipment, training and institutional capacity.

At the end of the engagement, participants reached broad areas of understanding and agreed on measures to improve institutional processes, strengthen coordination and enhance the Fund’s operational effectiveness.

The agreements were documented in a communiqué adopted at the conclusion of the retreat, which will serve as a reference for subsequent implementation and institutional engagement.
Ibrahim, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, the Executive Secretary and Management, the resource persons, NIPSS alumni and other participants for their contributions.

He also commended participants for the openness, professionalism and constructive spirit demonstrated throughout the discussions.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with Management and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Fund effectively fulfils its mandate and contributes to building a more capable, professional and better-equipped Nigeria Police Force.

The retreat marks a renewed commitment by the NPTF leadership to strengthening governance, accountability and collaboration in pursuit of improved policing and national security outcomes.