How Poor Defence Budget’s Oversight Hamper Fight Against Insecurity– Experts
Non-active external oversight of the defence and security spending plan and procurement system backpedals counterterrorism operations, empowers revolt and dissuades front-line soldiers.
With continous fortifying of existing legal arrangements backed by political will to enhance reform procedure and oversight activities in the defence and security sector the abovementioned concerns can be attended to, professionals state.
They spoke at a two-day Defence and Security (monetary management, gender and functional variations) anti-corruption training for civil society in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The training, arranged by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in cooperation with the Transparency International-Defence and Security Program with assistance from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands was targeted at enhancing the capability of Civil Society to promote and perform state and nationwide engagements towards a liable, responsive, and effective management of the Nigeria Defence and Security sector.
The specialists observed that oversight in Defence and Security sector includes proper control and security of the corruption-porous parts of the sector like monetary management, functional variations and gender addition.
“Inadequate external oversight and proactive reform in the Defence and Security sector prevent monetary openness, gender addition along with functional activities that considerably affect the total stability and performance of the sector.
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“External oversight of the Defence and Security procurement is a crucial and cumulative obligation of the National Assembly, Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, Civil Society and the media.
“Inadequate political sanction to non-active or bad action to responsibility hampers external oversight effectiveness in the Defence and Security sector.
“Civil Society and media oversight of the sector is hindered by constant risks and intimidations targeted at stars, programs and activities.
“Therefore, Strengthening oversight activities throughout corruption-porous parts of Defence and Security like political, monetary, workers, functional and procurement spheres to avoid mismanagement and sabotage occasioned by established interest ought to be prioritised.
“There is requirement for instant modification to the appropriate arrangements in Freedom of Information Act consisting of Section 11( 1 ), to eliminate inconsistent arrangements obstructing civilian oversight of the sector, while improving openness and responsibility in procurement procedure.
“Also crucial is reinforcing the existing legal arrangements backed by political will to enhance reform procedure and oversight activities in the sector.
“Equally, Focus-shifting from capital procurement to upkeep, logistic and assistance, innovation transfer and coordination, training and capability structure, info and Communication Technology, Small Arms and Ammunition procurement in the Defence and Security sector for a thorough oversight is a neccessity.
“Lastly and most notably, constant Civil Society advocacy to reinforce oversight activities in the Defence and Security sector for improved functional performance.” they stated.