Over 2,000 spouses of junior police officers are set to benefit from a nationwide skills acquisition and business empowerment programme as the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) on Monday rolled out a major welfare initiative aimed at improving the economic fortunes of police families.
The scheme, launched in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), will provide vocational training and business start-up kits to beneficiaries across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The programme was inaugurated at the M.D. Abubakar Police Barracks, Dei-Dei, Abuja, where stakeholders described it as a major step towards strengthening the welfare of police families and boosting the morale of officers serving across the country.
Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, said the initiative was designed to cushion the harsh economic realities facing many police households while complementing the Fund’s ongoing investments in police training, infrastructure and operational capacity.
According to him, police officers make enormous sacrifices in protecting lives and property, while their spouses play equally important roles in keeping their homes together.
“Today, as we present these start-up packs, we are not merely distributing equipment. We are investing in opportunities, promoting self-reliance and creating pathways for lasting economic independence,” Sheidu said.
He urged the beneficiaries to put the training and starter packs to productive use by establishing thriving businesses capable of improving their family income and creating jobs within their communities.
Sheidu reaffirmed the commitment of the Trust Fund to implementing more programmes that would improve the welfare of police personnel and their families through sustained collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and POWA.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented at the event, described the initiative as a strategic investment that would strengthen the stability and wellbeing of police families.
According to him, the success of policing depends largely on the emotional and economic stability of officers’ homes.
“Today, we are not merely distributing empowerment items or providing economic opportunities; we are making a meaningful investment in the stability, resilience and wellbeing of police families,” he said.
The police boss encouraged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by using the acquired skills and business support to build sustainable enterprises that would guarantee long-term financial security.
He commended the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for initiating the programme, noting that improved family welfare would translate into a more motivated, productive and professional Police Force.
Also speaking, National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, described the scheme as a life-changing intervention that would restore hope and create sustainable livelihoods for police families.
She said empowering the spouses of police officers was a practical investment in the welfare of the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that stronger families would ultimately strengthen policing across the country.
Representing the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, government officials also praised the initiative, saying it would promote self-reliance, improve family stability and enhance the overall effectiveness of the Police Force.
They urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the training and business support to transform their lives and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the empowerment programme would provide additional sources of income for police households while reinforcing ongoing efforts to build a more resilient, motivated and efficient Nigeria Police Force.
