Determined to promote transparency and accountability, the House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into security intervention funds released by the Federal Government from 2020 to date.
Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, Zakaria Nyampa disclosed this at the inauguration of the committee on at the National Assembly.
Nyampa said the investigation is necessitated by the widening gap between huge budgetary allocations to the security sector and the continuing wave of insecurity across the country.
“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.”
The probe, he explained, will cover all intervention heads, special allocations, and procurement processes undertaken by beneficiary agencies. The Committee will also assess the impact of the spending on security outcomes across Nigeria. “We are determined to follow the money with diligence, objectivity, and patriotism,” he added.
To guarantee credibility and openness, the Committee pledged to 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. “Transparency is the backbone of good governance,” the Chairman added.
He further noted that that mismanaging funds meant for security has grave consequences for national stability.
“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 said, assuring that the Committee’s report will help strengthen security governance and restore public trust.
Earlier, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen reaffirmed the commitment of the House Representatives to accountability, probity and utilization of all security interventions in Nigeria.
Abbas, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Ibrahim Isiaka 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.
Abbas who commended the Chairman of the committee for stepping forward to lead with integrity, urged them to carry out the assignment effectively.
