The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned the continuous marginalisation of women in the Nigerian defence and security sector. CISLAC, in partnership with Transparency International-Defence and Security Project, recently organised a workshop in Nasarawa State. At the end of the workshop, a communique was issued, noting the threats to Nigeria’s peace, security, sovereignty and territorial integrity due to traditional and non-traditional security risks.
The group mentioned that the defence and security sector’s oversight has limited capabilities due to factors such as insufficient funding, inadequate capacity, corrupt budgeting and implementation, politicisation, negative public perception, and the overall lack of transparency and accountability. The communique further highlighted the sector’s inadequate capacity in managing funds, budgeting, implementation, and its inherent political nature.
The group urged defence and other security agencies to prioritise Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and address issues causing instability and insecurity. CISLAC emphasised the need for collaboration among stakeholders to combat corruption, establish transparency, and ensure accountability within the defence and security sector.
“The lack of planning in the budgeting process and implementation contributes to weak civilian control over the defence and security sector. Combating corruption requires addressing welfare concerns and improving the economy to provide security and stability,” the communique read.
CISLAC called for the development of a rigorous framework for overseeing security votes, which are often used as slush funds, and urged Nigerians to hold public institutions, the political class, and the defence and security sector accountable. The group also stressed the need to review the content of defence and security policy to embed a culture of transparency and accountability in the budgeting process.
In conclusion, CISLAC called for a collective effort to ensure transparency and accountability and to empower women to take up leadership roles in the Nigerian defence and security sector.
