House to Engage NIPSS in Redevelopment of Nation’s Security Measures

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

House of Representatives has resolved to engage the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in the redevelopment of the nation’s security measures and make it an integral part of the solution.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at the plenary on Wednesday by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki.

Presenting the motion, Dasuki said Nigeria faces numerous security challenges, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, cybercrime, and general criminal activities affecting all regions and citizens’ lives.

He recalled that the 9th Assembly House established a Special Committee on National Security on March 17, 2021, to address the severe deterioration in the nation’s security.

Dasuki observed that the committee comprised experienced lawmakers and experts in the field who worked closely with relevant security agencies to analyse the root causes of these challenges and propose actionable solutions, chaired by the Former Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

He added that the Committee’s findings highlighted Nigeria’s security challenges, including non-kinetic strategies, overlapping security institutions, professionalism issues, state-based militias, regional collaboration difficulties, ethnic and religious tensions, poor border control, corruption, and environmental issues.

Dasuki expressed concern that critical and urgent interventions, as indicated by the committee’s summit findings, are essential to address these security issues, prevent further escalation of violence and instability in the region, and safeguard the lives and assets of the communities.

He said: “As at last Thursday, the 10th Assembly has discussed 103 security related motions, which means a lot. The implication of that is that we take security of our constituents as the topmost priority.

“Like we have seen today again with additional security related motions, that is why I bring back this motion which has a lot of recommendations that is going to help Nigeria in general. The whole idea of bringing this recommendation is that we don’t have to waste taxpayers money again and I strongly believe that by the time this report is brought before the 10th House of Representatives, I believe justice will be done to that report.

“And I believe the implementation will be made much easier in view of the fact that the executive has never had it this good that it has members of the parliament who are overseeing majority of its executive position. They know the implication of having a summit of this magnitude and the most important thing which I believe is going to help us fast track the report is the fact that the chairman of that committee was the then Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, he is also part of the executive.”

The House, therefore, resolved to revisit the report of the 9th House of Representatives Special Committee on National Security, review the document, and consider its recommendations.

It also resolved to, “Adopt the report and take the necessary actions for the full implementation of its recommendations by the Executive.

“Engage the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in the redevelopment of the nation’s security measures and make it an integral part of the solution.”

The House also resolved to review the welfare of members of the armed forces and paramilitary organisations who risk their lives to keep the nation safe by improving their incentives.

Video: Honourable Dasuki moving the motion