Stakeholders in the Defence and Security sector has scored the present administration low for not showing an open commitment to implementing the Whistleblower Policy or passing related Bills, which has negatively impacted anti-corruption efforts in the sector. They also expressed concerns over the Defence sector’s increasing involvement in commercial activities, which has raised questions about transparency and accountability.
This notion was conveyed in a two-day steering committee meeting by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria (TI-Nigeria), in collaboration with Transparency International’s Defence and Security Programme, and support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands on anti corruption in the defence and Security sector.
Participants at the meeting aimed at strengthening the capacity of member organizations to advocate for transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s defence and security sector, includes civil society groups, gender-based networks, ministries, security agencies, and the media.
The meeting further identified several challenges facing the sector to include weak legislative oversight, disproportionate allocation of security personnel, intrinsic logistics challenges, poor remuneration, and inadequate training and re-training programmes for personnel on human rights protection
Key concerns also raised during the meeting includes the unchecked culture of exceptionalism, lack of access to information, contradictory provisions in existing laws, and inadequate protection for whistleblowers. The meeting also highlighted issues such as corruption, nepotism, and gender disparity in the defence and security sector.
And in a bid to address these issues, participants resolved to galvanize advocacy efforts towards upholding transparency and accountability in the sector, renew civil society advocacy for the passage of comprehensive Whistleblowing Protection Bills, and enhance media engagement to uncover neglected high-profile defence corruption cases.
They also called for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, protection of whistleblowers, and increased transparency in Defence procurement processes.
Gender disparity and under-representation of women and person living with disabilities in Defence and Security recruitment, appointment, promotion process came to the center stage as participants says it widens the gaps in achieving inclusive operation in the sector.
They added that the deployment of military in response to civil-related matters as a major deviation from the rule of engagement has continued to widen the gap in military-civilian relations, while aggravating unwary agitations that give rise to armed groups across the country.
0 Comments