‘Account For All Funds Spent On Security’ — Speaker Abbas Tells Service Chiefs, Others

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called on security chiefs and other heads of security agencies to give full account for all the funds spent and unmarked for tackling insecurity in the country.

The Speaker said this in view of the rising security challenges recorded in parts of the country despite huge security votes every year.

Abbas made the demand at a world press conference held in Abuja on Thursday.

He said “You may recall that on November 8, 2023, the President signed the N2.176 trillion Supplementary Appropriation Act to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and address Nigeria’s critical infrastructure deficit, amongst other considerations. These investments in the face of global economic downturn and budgetary constraints attest to the government’s determination to end insecurity in Nigeria.

“While recognising and commending the patriotic and courageous efforts of our security agencies, we must have the courage to effect changes where necessary. These are among the issues that the forthcoming Legislative Summit on Security will address. This summit, which comes up in a matter of weeks, will, among others, allow us to hear directly from the key stakeholders in the sector and come up with legislative measures to modernise our security system and improve its operational efficiency and effectiveness.

“As emphasised in our Legislative Agenda, the time has come for us to demand greater transparency from our security agencies and full accountability for all the funds spent and earmarked for spending in the sector. We kick-started our sectoral debates in November last year with the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to demonstrate the seriousness we attach to security.

He said in addition to promoting security for all Nigerians to feel safe, the House will support import and export policies that stabilise food prices and ensure adequate supply of essential food items at affordable rates.