The Nigerian Armed Forces Reform Implementation and Advisory Committee says it is working towards an integrated defence sector that will solve the contemporary security challenges in the country.
The Chairman of the Committee, Major General Alwali Jauji Kazir (retired) in an interactive session with the House joint Committees on Defence, Army and Airforce stressed the need for more training and exposure of armed forces personnel in current security demands.
While soliciting legislative support in the reform of the defence sector, Maj. Gen. Kazir, explained that the reform is to confront the current challenges brought by globalization.
“Globalization has also prostituted and brought about new actors in the National and International stage in the form of state actors.
“These new actors participated in different dirty engagements ranging from religious extremism to ethnic civism so far leading to series of conflicts as is happening the world over.” Gen. Kazir added.
The Chairman House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson explained that the House was amending the Armed Forces Act to reflect the current realities and international best practices.
Mr Benson who expressed the House’s concern over the civil/military relation as well as a negative perception of the armed forces said the amendment is to address those concerns.
He said; “As representatives of the people, we are always at the receiving end of the effects of insecurity on our people hence our determination to continually promote good governance through the safety of lives and property and in an accountable and transparent manner.
“Indeed, with the many security challenges facing Nigeria today, all stakeholders have a duty to do everything possible to contribute ideas and actions that will lead to solutions needed to secure the lives and properties of Nigerians as encapsulated in Section 14 (2)(b) of our Constitution which states that: “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. This is one duty we owe Nigerians, and we are hopeful that through the mutually beneficial interactions we will have today, Nigeria will be a better country for all of us.
“It is pertinent to mention that the House of Representatives is deeply concerned about reforms in the defence sector. We believe that it is clearly one of the ways to improve the security architecture of the country.”
The Chairman House Committee on Army, AbdulRazak Namdas emphasized the urgent need to check the overlapping mandate and conflict among the security forces.
He also revealed that Armed Forces Trust Fund Bill is being considered by the National Assembly to provide an alternative source of funding to the security agencies for efficiency.
Mr Namdas explained that; “Modern warfare is different from the conventional warfare we know in the past. Now that you have known this experience you have to help us is discharging our legislative duties that would reduce frictions and promote unity among the security agencies.”
Shehu Muhammed Koko, the Chairman House Committee on Air Force in a remark urged the committee to include the issue of welfare of the officers and men of the Armed Forces including those retired for their contribution to the security in the country.
The 24 member-committee is to provide a white paper for the implementation of the 72 recommendations of the Presidential Committee on the Reform of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
PIAK
