CISLAC/Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-NIGERIA) released a communique after a one-day workshop in Nasarawa State on the topic: “Reforming the Nigerian Defence and Security Sector through Strengthening Mechanisms Fundamental for Effective Oversight Functions.”
The communique stated that the exclusion of women in the defence and security sector should not be ignored.
The group also stressed that Nigeria’s peace, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity were under threat due to continuous violent conflicts resulting from traditional and non-traditional security risks.
They urged Nigerian defence and other security agencies to address the issue of instability and insecurity and prioritize the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The group, in partnership with Transparency International-Defence and Security Project (TI-DSP) and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, organized the workshop. They revealed that despite significant public investments in the defence and security sector since the restoration of democratic governance in 1999, the effectiveness of these investments is uncertain, and there are still threats to peace and security.
They also pointed out that the defence and security sector’s oversight is limited by factors such as insufficient funding, inadequate capacity, corrupt budgeting and implementation, politicisation, negative public perception, and the overall lack of transparency and accountability.
The communique further revealed that the sector’s primary challenge is its inadequate capacity in managing funds, budgeting, implementation, and its inherent political nature.
“The lack of planning in the budgeting process and implementation contributes to weak civilian control over the defence and security sector. Combating corruption requires addressing welfare concerns and improving the economy to provide security and stability.
“Again, challenges to transparency and accountability in the defence and security sector include the lack of a robust legal framework, limited awareness and capacity, political interference, and resistance to change, among others.
“Let’s also review the content of defence and security policy to embed a culture of transparency and accountability in the budgeting process,” it says.
CISLAC emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to combat corruption, establish transparency, and ensure accountability within the defence and security sector.
They called for the development of a robust framework for overseeing security votes, which are often used as slush funds. They also urged Nigerians to hold public institutions, the political class, and the defence and security sector accountable.
“Utilise inherent potentials within the system, such as democratic space and accountability, openness, international obligations, civil society activism, synergy, and civil-military relations,” CISLAC says.
