Rep’s Concerns Over Insecurity Amidst N3.325 Trillion Allocation

• The House of Representatives expresses concern over escalating insecurity despite substantial budget allocation to defense and security sector
• The House probes the utilization of the $20 million Safe School Fund to safeguard students and teachers in vulnerable areas

The House of Representatives expressed deep concern on Tuesday regarding the escalating insecurity despite the substantial N3.25 trillion allocation, representing 11.8 percent of the N28.77 trillion budget, to the defense and security sector. This allocation was intended for the procurement of drones and other military equipment for tracking, locating, and rescuing victims.

In a related development, the House has decided to probe the utilization of the $20 million Safe School Fund, which was raised for safeguarding students and teachers in areas prone to security threats nationwide.

This resolution was reached following adopting a motion titled ‘Urgent Need to Tackle the Abduction of Over 200 Students in Kuriga Community of Chikun and Secure Lives and Property in Kaduna State’, sponsored by Honourable Ahmed Munir.

Munir, in his presentation, recounted the recent attack on Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School and Government Secondary School in Kuriga community, where over 200 students and teachers were forcefully abducted and taken into the forest without resistance.

He emphasized the recurring incidents of violence, such as the attack on worshippers in a mosque at Angwar Makera, Kwasakwasa community in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which resulted in two fatalities.

Despite the significant budgetary allocation to the defense and security sector, Munir noted the absence of substantial progress in curbing insecurity. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach involving various security agencies to address the root causes of insecurity, including illicit drug trade, human trafficking, and the proliferation of small arms.

Munir proposed developing and implementing a security master plan with short-, medium-, and long-term goals, emphasizing accountability and replacing incapable security personnel.

Furthermore, Munir stressed the importance of collaboration with neighbouring countries and border communities in restoring security, particularly in areas like Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, and Niger State.

In response to these concerns, the House mandated the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to coordinate security and intelligence networks and develop a proactive master plan. Additionally, the Federal Government was urged to review the budgetary framework for the military and security establishment to accurately reflect security needs.

The House also directed its Committee on Finance to investigate the utilization and effectiveness of the Safe School Initiative Fund and report back within four weeks.