Security stakeholders in Nigeria have expressed their concerns about the pervasive threats posed by corruption across all sectors within the country.
This was disclosed in a one-day capacity building session for relevant oversight agencies on anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria’s defence and security sector at the Golden Dabis Hotel on May 24th, 2023.
The workshop, organized by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) in partnership with Transparency International – Defence and Security Project (TI-DSP) and with technical support from the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), aimed to foster a national discourse on defence and security oversight and equip stakeholders with the necessary tools to combat corruption effectively.
The workshop brought together representatives from various key institutions, including the Ministry of Defence, Federal House of Representatives, Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Code of Conduct Bureau, Office of the Auditor General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), Human Rights Commission, Civil Society Organizations, and the Media.
The thematic sessions of the workshop covered important topics such as the linkages between corruption and insecurity in Nigeria, collaborative approaches to implementing and monitoring anti-corruption reforms, and the framework for anti-corruption reforms in the defence and security sector.
During the sessions, participants engaged in exhaustive deliberations and generated key observations and recommendations for combating corruption in Nigeria’s defence and security sector.
Observations from the workshop highlighted the critical role of addressing corruption in fostering transparency, responsiveness, and efficiency within the defence and security sector. It was emphasized that corruption poses significant threats and security challenges, eroding the effectiveness of security forces and damaging the population’s trust in central authorities. Corruption was identified as a primary enabler of insecurity in Nigeria, and its prevalence was found to be deeply ingrained in the culture, necessitating urgent action.
Recommendations stemming from the workshop included the need for increased transparency and accountability in the expenditure of the defence and security budget, the adoption of specific legislation to ensure careful assessment and execution of defence and security purchases, and the establishment of robust protections for whistleblowers. Other recommendations called for promoting collaboration among stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership and governance, and stressing the need for transparent budgeting and procurement processes within the sector.
Key commitments were also made by various stakeholders. The National Assembly pledged to develop security reforms aimed at addressing the root causes of corruption within defence and security institutions. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) committed to implementing merit-based recruitment practices, advocating for procurement act amendments, and strengthening the capacity of oversight agencies. Civil society organizations (CSOs) vowed to continue raising awareness, engaging in targeted advocacy efforts, and seeking judicial intervention to ensure transparency.
The workshop concluded with a call for collective responsibility and the support of all stakeholders in implementing and monitoring anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria’s defence and security sector.
With corruption identified as a major obstacle to achieving peace and stability, the workshop’s recommendations and commitments provide a roadmap for combating corruption and strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s defence and security sector.