As Nigeria grapples with escalating security challenges in different parts of the country, civil society organizations (CSOs) have called for greater transparency and accountability in the defence and security expenditures.

The CSOs, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) in collaboration with Transparency International, made this call on Thursday, November 15, 2024 during press briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to them, the call has become imperative as the country grapples with threats from Boko Haram in the North-East, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the South-East, Niger Delta militants in the South-South, and other armed groups.

Many of these groups claim to be pursuing ideological or political causes but have inflicted violence and instability on citizens.

CISLAC’s Programme Manager for Defence and Security, Jimoh Abubakar emphasized the need for reform, highlighting deficiencies in the sector, including financial mismanagement, outdated policies, and insufficient support for personnel on the frontlines.

“Operations in the sector are shrouded in secrecy. Personnel are left in the field for years without proper care or tools, and allowances are delayed. Even those killed in service or retired are often denied their rightful benefits.

“This undermines morale and motivation. There’s a pressing need for reforms to ensure accountability and adequate remuneration.”

Abubakar also called for the declassification of certain information within the sector to enhance transparency.

“The defence and security sectors are vital for national protection, but their lack of accountability raises concerns. Unlocking transparency is crucial to moving the country forward.”

Gender inclusion was also a focal point, with Abubakar advocating for the protection of women’s rights within the sector to prevent abuse and ensure equal opportunities.

Executive Director of Relief Africa, Isaac Green urged citizens to demand accountability, criticizing the over-reliance on secrecy, stating that “citizens should be able to ask vital questions when necessary, scrutinise some of the things we hear other than accepting all we are been told”.

“There are a lot of lapses and these lapses come in form of paper work and we look at where they tell us that some of the information that they have are classified, we think that it’s only when that information are declassified that you can have accountability.”

“Whether you classify information that would have ordinarily gone out to the public it becomes a problem because those who are in charge of discharging their duties become a stumbling block to achieving the aim or goal of whatever purpose they want to achieve.”

“When we all come as a front and begin to ask questions they will begin to declare that information they think is not meant for the public he retorted.”

“Classified information often becomes a barrier to achieving transparency. Citizens must question what they are told and push for the declassification of non-sensitive information to hold authorities accountable.”

The event underscored the urgent need for reforms that prioritize the welfare of personnel and ensure public funds are used effectively in the fight against insecurity.

The civil society organizations believe these steps are essential for restoring public confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security infrastructure.