DSS opposes foreign funding in Nigeria’s proposed Security Trust Fund

 The Department of State Services (DSS) has rejected a provision in the security trust fund bill that would allow foreign donations to the fund.   Emmanuel Daubry, a representative of the DSS, raised the objection on Thursday at a public hearing organised by the house of representatives on national security and intelligence on a bill seeking to establish a trust fund for the DSS.   Daubry said allowing foreign entities to contribute to the fund could expose sensitive intelligence operations to external influence and compromise national security.   He also expressed concerns over a clause empowering the national assembly to determine annual contributions to the fund, saying it could create uncertainty in financing.     Daubry noted that the bill does not clearly define the contributions expected from the federal and state governments.   Daubry commended the parliament for the proposed trust fund, saying it would provide stable and flexible financing for intelligence gathering, counterterrorism efforts, and broader national security operations.   He said the fund would facilitate the acquisition of modern operational equipment, enhance personnel training, improve response time to emerging security threats, minimise delays associated with conventional budgetary procedures, and safeguard the confidentiality required for sensitive operations.     The committee also considered two other bills aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s intelligence architecture through professional training and coordination, and the development of indigenous capacity and technology.   Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, who was represented by Julius Ihonvbere, the majority leader, said Nigeria must enhance its ability to gather, analyse and deploy intelligence in a timely and coordinated manner.   “A critical component of this is the issue of sustainable funding,” he said.   Ahmed Satomi, chairman of the committee on national security and intelligence, said the bills would better position the country’s intelligence agencies to protect Nigerians and safeguard national interests.     Satomi added that national security requires the vigilance and partnership of all citizens and should not be left solely to the government.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has strongly opposed the funding of Nigeria’s security operations by foreign entities, citing risks to national sovereignty, operational secrecy, and institutional independence. The position was articulated during a public hearing in Abuja organised by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence on two bills seeking to establish a DSS Security Trust Fund and a Strategic Intelligence Management Institute. Representing the DSS, Emmanuel Daubry expressed support for the Security Trust Fund Bill, describing it as a vital mechanism for ensuring sustainable funding for intelligence gathering, counterterrorism operations, personnel training, and procurement of modern security equipment. He noted that the fund would enable rapid deployment of resources during emergencies, including terrorism attacks, civil unrest, and other security crises. The agency, however, called for clearer provisions on funding sources and adjustments to the composition of the proposed governing board. The DSS firmly rejected any foreign contributions to the trust fund. According to Daubry, external funding could create obligations that compromise sensitive intelligence operations, procurement processes, and deployment strategies. “Foreign donors could influence domestic security priorities in ways that may not align with Nigeria’s unique security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping,” he warned. On the proposed Strategic Intelligence Management Institute, the DSS raised concerns over potential overlap with existing institutions. The agency recommended restricting the institute’s mandate to external intelligence, foreign intelligence operations, and international cooperation to prevent duplication of functions. The DSS further proposed specific amendments to relevant sections of the bills and revisions to the explanatory memorandum to incorporate its recommendations.

The Department of State Services, DSS, has opposed the funding of Nigeria’s security operations by foreign entities, warning that such arrangements could threaten national sovereignty, operational secrecy, and institutional independence. The position was presented during a public hearing held in Abuja by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence on two proposed […] DSS opposes foreign funding of Nigeria’s security operations

The DSS warns against foreign funding for Nigeria’s Security Trust Fund, citing national security risks and potential external influence. Learn why. Read More: https://punchng.com/dss-opposes-foreign-funding-of-security-trust-fund/

DSS urges the House of Reps to reject foreign funding for the proposed Security Trust Fund, warning of risks to Nigeria’s sovereignty and security operations.