The Nigerian Minister of Defense, Major General Bashir Magashi says security is being beefed up in Abuja and the neighbouring states of Nasarawa and Niger.
General Magashi stated this when he appeared before the House of Representatives committee on the Army to defend the 2023 budget proposal of the ministry.
According to him, “the Ministry would not take the threat lightly, as the ministry is trying to verify the source of the threat as well as countries that are also interested in the remarks made by the US government.”
He said; “We believe that there is no smoke without fire. And in that regard, we were able to subject the details to our intelligence organisations and they have provided answers to those areas which the government demands.
“And we realised that what we need is to be extra vigilant to prevent any activity of bandits or where the threat is likely to come so that it can be neutralised.”
The Defence Minister urged the US government to always provide such information to the ministry instead of going public to avoid confusing the people.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Mr Babajimi Benson stated that the House had embarked on enacting innovative legislation designed to strengthen the defence sector.
Mr Benson expressed satisfaction with the level of successes recorded so far in the fight against insecurity in the last five months, which according to him is proof of the level of professionalism displayed by the military.
He gave the assurance that adequate funds would be allocated to the defence sector in the 2023 budget.
He said; “Let me conclude by reiterating the 9th House of Representatives’ continued resolve to ensure a peaceful, secure and prosperous country for all Nigerians. Therefore, as we consider the 2023 budget, please note that this Committee will do our best to ensure that adequate funds are allocated to the defence sector but within the limits of available resources. However, we shall thoroughly review your performance and painstakingly scrutinise the proposals in the 2023 budget before making our conclusions.
“Similarly, the Committee will follow every allocation made to all agencies to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayers’ money. The outcome of this exercise will significantly determine the committee’s decision in appropriating funds to your agency in the 2023 budget.”
“The committee is also interested in knowing the efforts you have taken concerning the recent security alert in Abuja in all category 4 areas in the country. We would also like to know your opinion about the envelope system of budgeting for the Defence sector,” Babajimi said.
He noted that as a legislature, the National Assembly has made efforts to ensure that adequate resources are made available to the defence sector based on available resources.
The lawmaker said; “The 2023 budget is, however, unique and important considering that it is the last for this administration. We must therefore work collectively to deliver more on the goals of this administration to drastically reduce cases of insecurity across the country. This Committee will continue to support this vision through our legislative activities. However, we shall also embark on rigorous oversight exercise to ensure that MDAs adhere strictly to the provisions of the Appropriation Act as eventually passed by the National Assembly and accented to by Mr President.”
Mercy Chukwudiebere
