By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria has welcomed the decision of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, led by Hon. Zakaria Nyampa, to carry out a comprehensive investigation into security intervention funds released by the Federal Government from 2020 to date.
This was contained in a statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director, CISLAC and Head of Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria).
The statement explained that while the legislative move targets ensuring “transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in the disbursement and utilization of resources meant to protect Nigerians and nationals of other nations,” CISLAC/TI-Nigeria hopes the National Assembly conducts the exercise with sincerity in line with its constitutionally guaranteed oversight responsibilities.
For years, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria has engaged stakeholders across the country to promote transparency and efficiency in defence and security financial management, procurement processes, personnel administration, and operational systems.
The organisation noted it has consistently raised concerns over the high level of corruption, diversion, financial mismanagement, and procurement racketeering in the security sector—issues it says have contributed to poor counter-terrorism performance and rising insecurity nationwide.
In the spirit of accountability, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria urged state-level oversight authorities, including State Houses of Assembly, to investigate the application of “security votes” which, according to the organisation, remain opaque and vulnerable to corruption and mismanagement.
The group reiterated the need to strengthen defence and security governance through improved civilian oversight to restore best practices, enhance operational efficiency, and promote financial discipline.
It commended the committee’s decision to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, Office of the National Security Adviser, defence and police authorities, as well as the EFCC, ICPC, and civil society watchdogs including CISLAC/TI-Nigeria.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria also congratulated the newly appointed service chiefs, praising the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for prioritising personnel welfare and national security reforms.
The organisation recalled its long-standing advocacy for improved remuneration, timely allowance payments, and better living conditions for military personnel and families, including those of fallen officers.
It further urged the National Assembly to intensify efforts toward minimising corruption risks in the defence and security sector through reforms in procurement, operations, finance, and personnel management.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria called for clear categorisation of classified and non-classified procurement items, adoption of anti-corruption strategies, and strengthening asset recovery processes in the security sector.
It also encouraged lawmakers to amend conflicting provisions in the Freedom of Information Act and the Official Secrets Act to enhance civilian oversight.
The group urged the Ministries of Defence and Interior, alongside oversight bodies and civil society organisations, to adopt comprehensive external oversight frameworks supported by risk-based auditing, data analytics, whistle-blower protection, and continuous training.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability for greater efficiency and improved security of lives and property in Nigeria.
