CISLAC, TI-Nigeria Demand More Transparency, Accountability In Defence And Security Sector

A two-day steering committee meeting of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria (TI-Nigeria), has expressed serious concerns over the increasing involvement in commercial activities by the Defence sector which has raised questions about transparency and accountability.

This was as the Defence and Security stakeholders scored the present administration low for not showing an open commitment to implementing the Whistleblower Policy or passing related Bills, which has negatively impacted anti-corruption efforts in the sector.

The workshop which was in collaboration with Transparency International’s Defence and Security Programme, and support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands on anti corruption in the defence and Security sector, noted that some of the key challenges facing the sector, include weak legislative oversight, disproportionate allocation of security personnel, intrinsic logistics challenges, poor remuneration, and inadequate training and re-training programmes for personnel on human rights protection

Participants also expressed concerns about what they described as the unchecked culture of exceptionalism, lack of access to information, contradictory provisions in existing laws, and inadequate protection for whistleblowers.

The specifically took noted of issues such as corruption, nepotism, and gender disparity in the defence and security sector.

The participants therefore advocated for transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s defence and security sector, and the inclusion of civil society groups, gender-based networks, ministries, security agencies, and the media.

As part of the bold steps aimed at addressing the identified issues, participants resolved to galvanize advocacy efforts towards upholding transparency and accountability in the sector, renew civil society advocacy for the passage of comprehensive Whistleblowing Protection Bills, and enhance media engagement to uncover neglected high-profile defence corruption cases.

The participants specifically called for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, protection of whistleblowers, and increased transparency in Defence procurement processes.

The meeting noted the gender disparity and under-representation of women and person living with disabilities in Defence and Security recruitment, appointment, promotion process, stressing that it widens the gaps in achieving inclusive operation in the sector.