How Poor Defence Budget’s Oversight Hamper Fight Against Insecurity – Experts
Inactive external oversight of the defence and security budget and procurement system backpedals counterterrorism operations, empowers insurgency and discourages front-line troops.
But with continous strengthening of existing legal provisions backed by political will to complement reform process and oversight activities in the defence and security sector the aforementioned issues can be addressed, experts say.
They spoke at a two-day Defence and Security (financial management, gender and operational disparities) anti-corruption training for civil society in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The training, organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in collaboration with the Transparency International-Defence and Security Program with support from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands was aimed at strengthening the capacity of Civil Society to advocate and conduct state and national engagements towards an accountable, responsive, and efficient management of the Nigeria Defence and Security sector.
The experts observed that oversight in Defence and Security sector involves appropriate control and surveillance of the corruption-porous components of the sector like financial management, operational disparities and gender inclusion.
“Inadequate external oversight and proactive reform in the Defence and Security sector hinder financial transparency, gender inclusion as well as operational activities that significantly impact the overall integrity and efficiency of the sector.
“External oversight of the Defence and Security procurement is a critical and collective responsibility of the National Assembly, Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, Civil Society and the media.
“Inadequate political sanction to inactive or poor response to accountability impedes external oversight efficiency in the Defence and Security sector.
“Civil Society and media oversight of the sector is hampered by continuous threats and intimidations targeted at actors, programmes and activities.
“Therefore, Strengthening oversight activities across corruption-porous components of Defence and Security like political, financial, personnel, operational and procurement spheres to prevent mismanagement and sabotage occasioned by entrenched interest should be prioritised.
“There is need for immediate amendment to the relevant provisions in Freedom of Information Act including Section 11(1), to remove contradictory provisions hampering civilian oversight of the sector, while enhancing transparency and accountability in procurement process.
“Also vital is strengthening the existing legal provisions backed by political will to complement reform process and oversight activities in the sector.
“Equally, Focus-shifting from capital procurement to maintenance, logistic and support, technology transfer and coordination, training and capacity building, information and Communication Technology, Small Arms and Ammunition procurement in the Defence and Security sector for a comprehensive oversight is a neccessity.
“Lastly and most importantly, continuous Civil Society advocacy to strengthen oversight activities in the Defence and Security sector for enhanced operational efficiency.” they said.
