Gloria Essien, Abuja
The House of Representatives has launched a fresh investigation into the expenditure of intervention funds dedicated to Nigeria’s security architecture from 2020 to date.
The investigation will examine how funds released to the military since the year 2020 were managed and whether they produced measurable results in safeguarding lives and property.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen reaffirmed the House’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and fiscal discipline in managing public resources, particularly within the security sector.
Mr. Abbas who was represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Ibrahim Isiaka said the creation of the committee is a demonstration of the House’s unwavering commitment to accountability in matters of national security.
He urged the committee members to uphold accountability, effectiveness, and fairness that are the core values of the House of Representatives.
Mr. Abbas, who commended the Chairman of the committee for stepping forward to lead with integrity, urged them to carry out the assignment effectively.
The speaker noted that the security sector operates under intense public scrutiny, making it imperative that every naira spent delivers tangible progress in protecting Nigerians.
The Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, Mr. Zakaria Nyampa, said the probe will track total disbursements under various intervention heads, review utilisation and procurement processes, and assess the impact of spending.
He stressed that the exercise is not a witch-hunt but a national duty to ensure that security funds are effectively used to strengthen national stability.
“This is not a witch-hunt,” the Chairman stressed. “Our duty is to ensure that every naira released for security serves its purpose to safeguard lives and property,” he said.
He explained that the probe will cover all intervention heads, special allocations, and procurement processes undertaken by beneficiary agencies.
The Chairman noted that the Committee will also assess the impact of the spending on security outcomes across Nigeria.
“We are determined to follow the money with diligence, objectivity, and patriotism,” he said.
To guarantee credibility and openness, the Committee pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office, Office of the National Security Adviser, defence and police authorities, as well as the EFCC, ICPC, and civil society watchdogs such as BudgIT, CISLAC, and SERAP.
“Transparency is the backbone of good governance,” the Chairman added.
He noted that mismanaging funds meant for security has grave consequences for national stability.
“When money meant to secure our nation is diverted, the cost is not just in naira and kobo, it’s in human lives. We owe it to Nigerians to get this right,” he added.
He assured that the Committee’s report will help strengthen security governance and restore public trust.