In a bid to effectively address the complex and ever-evolving security challenges facing Nigeria, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, has emphasized the imperative of bolstering the capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
During the commencement of a two-day post-inauguration retreat for members of the House Committee on Defence, the Speaker articulated the 10th House’s commitment to supporting security agencies through enhanced funding, provision of modern equipment, intensified training, and improved welfare packages for security personnel.
- Emphasizing the Need for Comprehensive Approach
Hon. Abbas underscored the necessity for a comprehensive approach to national security, taking into account the interconnected nature of the underlying issues that fuel and sustain insecurity. He advocated for a coordinated effort among the executive, legislature, judiciary, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the international community to address these challenges effectively.
- Role of the Legislative Arm in Ensuring National Security
Addressing the vital role of legislators, the Speaker highlighted the need to enact robust legislations that address the root causes of insecurity and emphasized the importance of capacity strengthening for legislative committees on security and defense to maintain robust oversight and governance within the security sector.
“The security of our nation is a collective responsibility, and the legislative arm of government has a critical role to play in ensuring that our armed forces and the police are well-equipped and adequately funded to tackle the multiple security challenges facing our country,” Hon. Abbas stressed.
The Speaker also stressed the importance of conducting oversight and holding the security sector’s leadership accountable, emphasizing the need for a robust national security architecture that encompasses socio-economic policies, effective governance, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges facing the nation.
- Empowering Lawmakers for Effective Oversight
Furthermore, he urged lawmakers to leverage the retreat to engage with experts, exchange ideas, and pose critical questions that would enhance their understanding of the defence sector for proper oversight.
Notably, he expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including the National Defence College, in achieving a comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s national security architecture and effectively managing defence-related issues to ensure a more secure and prosperous future for the country.
“The Legislative Agenda of the House highlights security and underpins our commitment to adopting legislative measures to improve national security. In line with this commitment, the House is set to commence Sectoral Debates, with the maiden edition focusing on security. All service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police have been invited to brief Members on their respective agencies’ overall state of affairs. This is aimed at understanding the progress made and the challenges requiring legislative intervention,” he added.
- Equipping Lawmakers for Effective Performance
Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, reiterated the crucial importance of equipping members with the necessary tools to fulfill their legislative duties effectively in the defence sector, particularly against the backdrop of the prevailing security challenges.
“We are determined to carry out our legislative functions effectively and in a manner that ensures the safety of the lives and property of Nigerians. Several bills aimed at revolutionizing the Nigerian defence sector have been sponsored, and some have already been assented to by Mr. President,” Hon. Benson affirmed.
He also highlighted the Committee’s focus on examining defence sector funding amidst dwindling resources and proposed potential solutions to prevent under-funding, expressing gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and the National Defence College for their commitment and support towards developing the committee’s capacity to efficiently carry out its mandate in nation building.
