House Probes Billions Spent On Security Amid Persistent Insecurity

The House of Representatives has begun an investigation into all security intervention funds released by the Federal Government from 2020 to date, promising full transparency and accountability in the process.

The Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, Zakaria Nyampa, announced this during the committee’s inauguration at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

Mr Nyampa said the probe was prompted by growing concerns over the persistent insecurity in the country despite huge budgetary allocations to the security sector.

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

The investigation will examine all intervention funds, special allocations, and procurement processes carried out by the relevant agencies.

The committee will also evaluate how the spending has impacted security outcomes across Nigeria.

To ensure credibility and openness, Mr Nyampa said the committee would work closely with the Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, Office of the National Security Adviser, defence and police authorities, as well as anti-corruption and civil society organisations including EFCC, ICPC, BudgIT, CISLAC, and SERAP.

“Transparency is the backbone of good governance,” he added. “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.”

Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, reaffirmed the House’s commitment to accountability and proper use of public funds in national security matters.

Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Ibrahim Isiaka, Dr Tajudeen said the formation of the committee demonstrates the House’s “unwavering commitment to probity and effective oversight.”

He urged committee members to uphold fairness, efficiency, and transparency which are the guiding principles of the House of Representatives.

The committee’s findings are expected to strengthen security governance and rebuild public confidence in the nation’s fight against insecurity.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji