Strat.1 Enact legislation that mandates a more detailed and itemised budgetary disclosure for security agencies, ensuring that while certain specifics remain confidential for national security, a general breakdown should be accessible to the public
Strat.2 Pass the whistleblower protection law, encouraging individuals within security agencies to report financial malpractices without fear of retaliation.
Strat.3 Promote digital platforms for budget tracking, expenditure reporting, and procurement processes. These platforms can enhance transparency and allow for easier monitoring by relevant authorities
Strat.4 Mandate security agencies to provide periodic financial reports to designated oversight bodies, detailing their expenditures, achievements, challenges, and projections.
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 The House of Representatives has not yet enacted a specific law mandating detailed public budget disclosures for security agencies. However, it has proposed bill to establish a National Security and Intelligence Trust Fund
to provide alternative funding for security agencies.
Strat.2 The House of Representatives is prioritising the passage of the Whistleblower Protection Bill to strengthen protections for individuals who provide critical information.
The Bill is currently under legislative consideration by the relevant Committee
Strat.3 No specific details of the House of Representatives implementing digital platforms for budget tracking, expenditure reporting, and procurement processes are limited.
Strat.4 The House of Representations has considered and passed several motions backing legislative oversight visits to security agencies to assess the utilization of funds appropriated by the National Assembly.
Improved Accountability in the Security Sector
Not started
In progress
Completed
Implementation Strategies
Strat.1 Mandate regular independent audits of security sector expenditures, potentially creating or empowering an independent body with the necessary clearances for this task.
Strat.2 Strengthen parliamentary oversight over security sector spending. Committees responsible for defence, internal security, and intelligence should have powers to scrutinise and review the full details of budgetary allocations and expenditures.
Strat.3 Standardise and make the procurement processes for security equipment and services transparent to reduce the chances of inflated contracts or purchases that do not offer value for money. We will also encourage competitive bidding and open tenders for major security-related procurements
Strat.4 Introduce stricter penalties for misappropriation, misallocation, or any form of financial malpractice within the security sector
Strat.5 Empower anti-corruption agencies with more autonomy and resources to investigate and prosecute financial misconduct within the security sector
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 There is no publicly available information indicating that a specific legislation has been enacted to implement these measures.
Strat.2 The House of Representatives security sector Committees continues to exercise its oversight functions. These committees are tasked with legislative oversight of security agencies in Nigeria budgetary allocations, security operations, and national security challenges
Strat.3 The House of Representatives has introduced and considered several legislations and motions including the Bill to amend the Public Procurement Act, to Provide for Damage against the Contractor on Issues Relating to Undue Delay in Completion of Contract.
Subsequently, on December 2, 2024, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement conducted a public hearing on this bill to gather input from stakeholders and the public.
Additionally, the House of Representatives has been working on amending the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Act, 2007, to align with global procurement professional practices and to professionalize procurement practices, ensuring that procurement officers are adequately trained and certified, thereby promoting efficiency and reducing wastage in public expenditure
Strat.4 The House of Representatives has advanced several legislations on bills and motions advocating for the enforcement of stricter penalties for misappropriation of funds within the sector
Strat.5 The House of Representatives has advanced several legislations on bills and motions to enhance the capacity of anti-corruption agencies to investigate and prosecute financial conduct such as the Economic and financial Crimes Commission Amendment Bill, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Amendment Bill.
Additionally, the House of Representatives continues to provide oversights functions of anti-corruption agencies through its committees
Improved Accountability in the Security Sector
Not started
In progress
Completed
Implementation Strategies (STRAT)
Strat.1 Legislate for the establishment of a Security Sector Reform Commission to oversee reforms within the security sector, including financial transparency and accountability
Strat.2 Amend the Constitution to expand the composition of the National Security Council to include the Senate President and the Speaker in an observer capacity
Strat.3 Amend the National Security Agencies Act to expand membership of the two advisory councils (the National Defence Council and the National Security Council) to include the Senate President and the Speaker in an observer capacity
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 The 10th House of Representatives of Nigeria has not introduced or passed a specific bill titled the "Security Sector Reform Commission Bill". However, the House has been actively engaged in various legislative efforts aimed at reforming and strengthening the country's security architecture.
Strat.2 There is no specific bill currently before the House of Representatives proposing to amend the Constitution to alter the composition of the National Security Council in the manner described.
Strat.3 There is no publicly available record indicating that the 10th House of Representatives of Nigeria has introduced a bill to amend the National Security Agencies Act with the specific aim of expanding the membership of the National Defence Council and the National Security Council to include the Senate President and the Speaker of the House in an observer capacity.
To include the Senate President and the Speaker of the House in these councils, a constitutional amendment would be necessary
Comments