Civil Society and Transparency Groups Commend Legislative Probe into Security Funds
Civil society organizations, including the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International in Nigeria, have commended the recent decision by the House of Representatives to investigate all intervention funds approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Tinubu for security purposes from 2020 to the present.
The CISLAC Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Ibrahim Rafisanjani, issued a statement in Abuja expressing appreciation for the move. He called on the Ad-hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, led by Hon. Zakaria Nyampa, to conduct a thorough investigation into all security-related funds disbursed by the Federal Government since 2020.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
Rafisanjani highlighted that the legislative initiative aims to ensure “transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in the disbursement and utilization of resources meant to protect Nigerians and nationals of other nations.” He expressed confidence that the National Assembly would carry out the exercise with sincerity, demonstrating its constitutionally guaranteed oversight powers and responsibilities.
Over the years, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria has worked across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to promote transparency and accountability in the defense and security sectors. The organization has repeatedly drawn public, policy, and legislative attention to the high levels of corruption, illicit diversion, financial mismanagement, and procurement racketeering that have plagued these sectors. These issues have contributed to underperformance in counter-terrorism and violent extremism efforts, as well as increased insecurity nationwide.
Calls for Sub-National Investigations
In addition to the federal probe, Rafisanjani urged sub-national stakeholders, including state legislatures, to deepen their investigations into the allocation of funds to state governments under the “Security Vote” program. He emphasized that the implementation of these allocations has become opaque, leaving room for corruption, diversion, and mismanagement that exacerbate insecurity.
He also reiterated the need for strengthened civilian oversight mechanisms in defense and security governance to restore best practices and improve efficiency in financial, operational, procurement, and personnel management.
Importance of Oversight and Reform
Efficient oversight of the defense and security sectors is essential to ensure transparency, prevent fraud and abuse, and promote efficiency. It also plays a critical role in upholding the mandates of relevant institutions tasked with monitoring compliance, ensuring fairness, equity, and addressing ethical misconduct.
To enhance credibility and openness in the investigative process, Rafisanjani praised the Ad-hoc Committee’s decision to collaborate with various government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Defense and Police authorities. He also acknowledged the involvement of anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and civil society watchdogs like CISLAC/TI-Nigeria.
Supporting New Security Leadership
Rafisanjani also congratulated the newly appointed security chiefs, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his commitment to prioritizing personnel welfare alongside improving national security.
He reminded the public that CISLAC/TI-Nigeria has long advocated for adequate remuneration, timely payment of allowances, and improved living conditions for military and security personnel, including their families. This includes those who have lost their lives in service, as these measures are crucial for enhancing performance, operational efficiency, and the overall security of lives and property in Nigeria.
Recommendations for Sector Reforms
Rafisanjani called for comprehensive reforms across procurement, operations, politics, finance, and personnel activities in the defense and security sector. He emphasized the need for a targeted categorization of classified and non-classified items in procurement, aligned with international standards and best practices, to enable efficient external oversight.
He also encouraged the National Assembly to adopt anti-corruption strategies that include financial reform, asset recovery, and repatriation in the defense and security sector. Additionally, he urged the inclusion of citizens in the anti-corruption process.
Legal and Institutional Reforms
The CISLAC helmsman called for immediate amendments to the Freedom of Information Act, particularly Section 11(1) and the Official Secret Act, to remove contradictory provisions that hinder civilian oversight of the defense and security sectors. These changes would enhance transparency and accountability in procurement, financial, and personnel activities.
He further recommended that the Ministries of Defence and Interior, in collaboration with the National Assembly and oversight bodies, prioritize the implementation of a comprehensive external oversight framework. This should include strategic procurement mechanisms such as the creation of interdependent bodies, a robust regulatory framework, risk-based auditing, regular audits, data analytics, technology, whistleblower protection, and training programs.
Commitment to Transparency
Comrade Rafisanjani concluded by reaffirming CISLAC/TI-Nigeria’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the defense and security sectors, with the goal of improving efficiency and the security of lives and property in Nigeria.