Police Set Aside N6.2 Billion for Fuel Expenses in 2025 Budget as Costs Skyrocket
The proposed 2025 budget for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has revealed a significant allocation of N6.2 billion for fuel expenses across various commands. Of this total, N5.7 billion will be used for motor vehicle fuel, while N511.6 million is earmarked for fueling plants and generators.
At the current fuel price of approximately N1000 per litre, this means the police force will require around 511,678 litres of fuel for its generators and 5.7 million litres for its motor vehicles. This considerable fuel expenditure comes as Nigeria faces a severe energy crisis, worsened by rising fuel prices and a fragile electricity sector. In 2024 alone, the country has experienced at least 12 grid collapses, further straining the power supply.
The rising energy costs are not limited to the police force. Other parts of the proposed budget include N5.8 billion for aircraft fuel and N7.5 billion for sea boat fuel. Additionally, the NPF has allocated N165.1 million for refreshments and meals, N64.3 million for honorarium and sitting allowances, and a substantial N517.1 million for publicity and advertisements.
In terms of welfare, the police are budgeting N1.2 billion for officer benefits, with N919 million dedicated to sporting activities. Recruitment and appointments across the force are expected to cost N2.9 billion, while administrative expenses are pegged at N215.5 million.
The dramatic rise in fuel and energy costs follows the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu in May 2023. This policy shift has resulted in significant price hikes, forcing both government agencies and the private sector to deal with escalating energy expenses. Given the ongoing power grid instability, which has made many organizations rely heavily on generators, these fuel costs are expected to keep climbing.
