CISLAC calls for transparency and accountability in management of defence and security funds

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Nigeria’s chapter of Transparency International (TI), has issued a call to action on the anniversary of United Nations Anti-Corruption Day.

The organisation urges the Federal Government, National Assembly, security agencies, and anti-corruption bodies to prioritise transparency and accountability in the management of defence and security funds.

Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director, CISLAC and Head of TI-Nigeria, made the call in a statement on Tuesday.

The organisation emphasised the need for full disclosure of procurement processes and audited expenditure records in line with global standards.

It stressed the importance of stronger legislative oversight to ensure that security budgets and operational performance are independently reviewed.

CISLAC/TI-Nigeria also advocated for an independent defence procurement audit system to curb contract inflation, ghost projects and the misuse of funds.

It urged the government to implement far-reaching security sector reforms, including strict disciplinary measures for officers involved in bribery, extortion, collusion with criminal networks or any form of operational compromise.

The organisation further called for improved welfare, insurance and equipment for frontline personnel to rebuild morale and enhance operational effectiveness.

It underscored the need for better intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation to eliminate gaps exploited by criminal groups.

It also demanded stronger protection for whistle-blowers to encourage the reporting of corruption within the security and defence sector.

CISLAC/TI-Nigeria maintained that Nigeria could not overcome insecurity without first addressing corruption within the security architecture.

It stressed that no amount of military spending or sophisticated equipment would deliver results if diverted funds, weak oversight and entrenched impunity continued to undermine the system.

The organisation affirmed that the safety of Nigerians must not be compromised by corruption, political interests or institutional negligence.

It reiterated its commitment to working with the government, parliament, security agencies and citizens to champion reforms that enhance accountability, strengthen national security and rebuild public trust.

Nigeria, it said, deserved a secure, just and prosperous future—one that could only be achieved by confronting and eliminating corruption at the heart of the country’s security framework.