Insecurity: Reps C’ttee Launches Probe Into Utilisation Of All Security Intervention Funds

By Alkassim Bala Tsakuwa, Abuja

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, has launched an investigation into the utilisation of all security intervention funds disbursed by the Federal Government from 2020 to date.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee at the National Assembly on Thursday, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Zakaria Nyampa said, the Committee will ensure that there was transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline in the management of resources meant to protect Nigerians.

He informed that, the investigation was necessitated by the widening gap between huge budgetary allocations to the security sector and the continuing wave of insecurity across the country.

He said, “This is not a witch-hunt,” he stressed. “Our duty is to ensure that every naira released for security serves its purpose to safeguard lives and property.”

Hon. Nyampa further explained that, the investigation will cover all intervention heads, special allocations, and procurement processes undertaken by beneficiary agencies and also assess the impact of the spending on security outcomes across Nigeria.

The Committee Chairman said, “We are determined to follow the money with diligence, objectivity, and patriotism. Transparency is the backbone of good governance”.

He added that, to guarantee credibility and openness, the Committee will collaborate with the Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office, Office of the National Security Adviser, defence and police authorities, as well as the EFCC, ICPC, and civil society watchdogs such as BudgIT, CISLAC, and SERAP.

According to the Committee Chairman, mismanaging funds meant for security has grave consequences for national stability.

He said, “When money meant to secure our nation is diverted, the cost is not just in naira and kobo it’s in human lives. We owe it to Nigerians to get this right”.

He assured that the Committee’s report will help strengthen security governance and restore public trust.

In opening address earlier, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Ibrahim Isiaka reaffirmed the commitment of the House to accountability, probity and utilization of all security interventions in Nigeria.

Speaker Abbas, said the creation of the committee is a demonstration of the House’s unwavering commitment to accountability in matters of national security.

He urged the committee members to uphold accountability, effectiveness, and fairness that are the core values of the House of Representatives.

He commended the Chairman of the committee for stepping forward to lead with integrity, urged them to carry out the assignment effectively.