Anti-Corruption Group Endorses Legislative Probe into Security Spending
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, also known as Transparency International in Nigeria (CISLAC/TI-Nigeria), has expressed strong support for the House of Representatives' decision to investigate all security intervention funds released by the Federal Government between 2020 and the present.
The organization commended the Hon. Zakaria Nyampa-led Ad-hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security for initiating this comprehensive probe. CISLAC stated that this legislative move aligns with efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in how resources meant for protecting Nigerians are disbursed and utilized.
Call for Extended Investigation into Security Votes
In a significant development, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria has demanded that the investigation be extended to cover the implementation of Security Votes at state levels. The organization emphasized that years of substantial allocations to state governments under this category have become increasingly opaque, creating maximum exposure to corruption, diversion, and mismanagement.
The press release, signed by Executive Director Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), highlighted that these financial irregularities have directly contributed to the acceleration of insecurity across various parts of Nigeria. Through engagements across all six geopolitical zones, CISLAC has consistently observed and reported on the alarming levels of corruption, illicit diversion, financial mismanagement, and procurement racketeering plaguing the defense and security sectors.
Strengthening Defense Governance Through Oversight
CISLAC reiterated the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria's defense and security governance through enhanced civilian oversight bodies and activities. The organization emphasized that efficient oversight remains sacrosanct to ensure transparency, prevent fraud and abuse, and promote efficiency while upholding the mandates of relevant institutions.
The group welcomed the Committee's decision to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office, Office of the National Security Adviser, defense and police authorities, as well as anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, plus civil society watchdogs including CISLAC/TI-Nigeria itself.
In a related development, CISLAC extended congratulations to the newly appointed Security Chiefs, particularly acknowledging Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede's commitment to prioritize personnel welfare alongside improving national security. The organization has consistently advocated for adequate remuneration, timely payment of allowances, and improved living conditions for security personnel and their families, including those who lost their lives in active service.
CISLAC/TI-Nigeria called on the National Assembly to implement targeted anti-corruption strategies across financial reform implementation in asset recovery and repatriation within the defense and security sector. The organization also urged immediate amendment and harmonization of relevant provisions in the Freedom of Information Act and Official Secrets Act to remove contradictory provisions that hamper civilian oversight.
The group restated its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria's defense and security sectors, aiming for improved efficiency and enhanced security of lives and property across the nation.
