CurrentReport Blog Stakeholders within Nigeria’s police ecosystem have initiated discussions aimed at improving revenue generation to enhance welfare and developmental projects. The discussions, currently taking place in Enugu, involve officials from the Ministry of Police Affairs, revenue officers from police commands nationwide, and representatives from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The conference, themed “Evaluation of Internally Generated Revenue in the Ministry,” seeks to address challenges in revenue collection and explore innovative ways to boost funding for police-related initiatives. Organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs, the event has brought together desk officers from all geopolitical zones of the country and FIRS facilitators to share insights and brainstorm solutions.
James Sule, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, represented by Director of Finance and Accounts Okehie Isaac Tochukwu, emphasized the importance of evaluating internally generated revenue (IGR) achievements. He noted that the conference presents an opportunity to align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s new priorities, particularly the unification of revenue collection into a single agency.
Sule stressed the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in financial management within the security sector, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support the police’s role in national security.
A key facilitator, Professor Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman, highlighted that economic development and sustainability depend heavily on a country’s revenue generation capacity. He pointed out that leadership challenges have significantly impacted revenue collection and utilization in Nigeria, and called for a renewed focus on leveraging available revenue streams.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DCP Arotu Pere, reiterated that while the police is not a major revenue-generating agency, efforts must be made to articulate a solid revenue base. He referenced the Police Specialised Services Automation Project (POSSAP), approved in 2021, as an initiative aimed at generating income through services such as fingerprinting, tinted glass permits, VIP orderly and escort services, and international driving permits.
