Reps flag off probe into security intervention funds from 2020 to date

The House of Representatives on Thursday commenced an investigation into all security intervention funds disbursed by former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu from 2020 to date.

Speaking at the inaugural sitting of the investigative hearing in Abuja, the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, Hon. Zakaria Nyampa, assured that the exercise aims to promote transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in the management of resources meant to protect Nigerians.

Hon. Nyampa explained that the investigation became necessary due to the widening gap between the huge budgetary allocations to the security sector and the persistent wave of insecurity across the country.

While stressing that the investigation “is not a witch-hunt,” he maintained that the Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to “ensure that every naira released for security serves its purpose to safeguard lives and property.”

According to him, the investigation will cover all intervention heads, special allocations, and procurement processes undertaken by beneficiary agencies, as well as assess the impact of such spending on security outcomes across Nigeria.

“We are determined to follow the money with diligence, objectivity, and patriotism,” he added.

To ensure credibility and openness, he noted that the Ad-hoc Committee will collaborate with the Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Defence, and the Nigeria Police Force. It will also engage the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and civil society watchdogs such as BudgIT, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and SERAP.

Hon. Nyampa, who warned that mismanaging funds meant for security has grave consequences for national stability, said:

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“When money meant to secure our nation is diverted, the cost is not just in naira and kobo — it’s in human lives. We owe it to Nigerians to get this right.”

He assured that the Committee’s report would help strengthen security governance and restore public trust.

Earlier, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to accountability, probity, and the effective utilization of all security intervention funds in Nigeria.

Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, the Speaker said the creation of the Ad-hoc Committee demonstrates the House’s unwavering commitment to accountability in matters of national security.

He urged members of the Committee to uphold the core values of the House — accountability, effectiveness, and fairness.

Hon. Tajudeen also commended Hon. Nyampa for stepping forward to lead the assignment with integrity and urged the Committee to carry out its work effectively.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE