The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has launched a nationwide skills acquisition and empowerment programme for spouses of junior police officers, aimed at promoting financial independence and improving the welfare of police families.

The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday at the MD Abubakar Police Barracks, Dei-Dei, Abuja, is being implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA).

Beneficiaries will receive vocational training alongside start-up tools to enable them establish small businesses and generate sustainable income.

Speaking at the inauguration, Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Mohammed Sheidu, said the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to promote inclusive economic development by empowering families connected to public service institutions.

He noted that strengthening the economic capacity of police families would contribute to the overall welfare and effectiveness of personnel, stressing that the initiative goes beyond the distribution of equipment to creating opportunities for long-term self-reliance.

Sheidu said the Trust Fund had continued to support the Nigeria Police Force through investments in training, infrastructure and operational needs, adding that extending empowerment to officers’ spouses would further improve household livelihoods and financial stability.

He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, and the leadership of POWA in advancing welfare initiatives for police personnel and their families.

Representing the Minister of Police Affairs, Director of Police Reforms and Services, Bola Aderele, said police officers’ spouses play an important role in supporting their families and the service, making their economic empowerment a worthwhile investment.

The Inspector-General of Police described the programme as a step towards improving the stability and welfare of police households, urging participants to make effective use of the training and resources provided to build sustainable sources of income.

In her remarks, National President of POWA, Olufunmilola Disu, said the initiative was designed to boost the confidence and resilience of police families rather than serve as a charitable intervention. She also called on government agencies and private organisations to support similar empowerment programmes.

The programme, themed “Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities: Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda Through Skills Acquisition and Economic Empowerment,” is expected to be implemented across the country as part of broader efforts to improve the socio-economic well-being of police families.