The House of Representatives has assured its commitment to supporting initiatives that provide alternative funding sources for security agencies in Nigeria, reducing overdependence on annual budgetary allocations.
Speaker Dr. Abbas Tajuddeen gave this assurance in a message to a one-day public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Nigerian Security and Intelligence Trust Fund, held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Represented by Mr. Victor Nwokolo, the Speaker described insecurity as a major threat to Nigeria, highlighting the millions of lives lost due to the menace.
Dr Abbas Tajuddeen, explained that despite huge financial challenges, security agencies have continued to work with the meager resources at their disposal hence the need for all hands to be on deck towards ensuring that the bill to succeed.
Earlier, sponsor of the bill and the Chairman House Committee on Security and Intelligence Ahmed Satomi, lauded the Nigerian security agencies and other stakeholders supporting the bill as part of commitment to address security challenges bedeviling the country.
Ahmad Satomi, who emphasized the importance of providing funds to the sector said will help enhance training, research and development among the security agencies for better result.
He said kinetic approach alone does not guarantee peace and security but the application of non kinetic approach like funding of intelligence gathering mechanisms will go a long way in ensuring the security of lives and property of Nigerians.
Addressing National Assembly correspondents shortly after the public hearing, commandant General of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) Navy Captain Umar Bakori retired, said the public hearing was timely considering the sacrifices members of the Vigilante have been making in the entire 774 local government areas of the country.
Navy Captain Bakori retired maintained that although his members have been using their personal resource in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, establishing the National security trust fund will go a long way in providing financial support to security organizations like the Vigilante Group.
Stakeholders present at the event like the armed forces, the Police, Nigerian Custom Service, DSS, Ministry of Defense and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria among others all submitted their positions on the bill.
COV/TSIBIRI
