By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) have commended the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, led by Hon. Zakaria Nyampa, for initiating a comprehensive investigation into all security intervention funds released by the Federal Government from 2020 to date.
This commendation was contained in a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of TI-Nigeria.
According to the statement, the legislative initiative represents a significant step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in the management of public funds dedicated to safeguarding Nigerians and other nationals within the country.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria expressed hope that the National Assembly would conduct the exercise with sincerity and in full demonstration of its constitutionally guaranteed oversight powers.
“Over the years, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, through its engagements across the six geopolitical zones, has worked to unlock transparency and accountability and improve the efficiency of financial, procurement, and operational activities within the defence and security sectors,” the statement read.
The organisation noted that despite these efforts, corruption, illicit diversion of funds, financial mismanagement, and procurement racketeering continue to undermine the performance of the nation’s defence and security agencies, contributing to persistent insecurity across the country.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria also urged sub-national actors, including State Houses of Assembly, to investigate the application of security votes by state governments.
It lamented that the use of such funds has often been shrouded in secrecy, leading to corruption, diversion, and mismanagement that exacerbate insecurity.
Reiterating its position, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria called for the strengthening of civilian oversight mechanisms to restore best practices and efficiency in financial, operational, and personnel management across the defence and security sectors.
“Effective oversight remains sacrosanct to ensuring transparency, preventing fraud and abuse, and promoting efficiency, while upholding institutional mandates to ensure fairness and accountability,” the statement added.
The organisation also welcomed the Committee’s plan to collaborate with key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence and Police authorities, the EFCC, ICPC, and Civil Society watchdogs.
In the same vein, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria congratulated the newly appointed Service Chiefs, especially the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for prioritising personnel welfare as a key component of national security improvement.
The organisation reaffirmed its advocacy for improved remuneration, timely payment of allowances, and better living conditions for security personnel and their families, particularly those of officers who have paid the supreme price in service to the nation.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria further urged the National Assembly to adopt reforms that will reduce corruption risks within the defence and security sectors.
Such reforms, it said, should include a clear categorisation of classified and non-classified items in procurement, adherence to international best practices, and greater external oversight.
It also called for amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the Official Secrets Act to eliminate contradictions that impede transparency and civilian oversight of defence-related activities.
The statement concluded by urging the Ministries of Defence and Interior, in collaboration with the National Assembly, oversight bodies, and civil society, to implement a comprehensive external oversight framework, incorporating regular audits, data analytics, risk-based monitoring, and whistle-blower protection.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to advancing transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria’s defence and security sectors for improved efficiency and the protection of lives and property.
