Coalition Backs Bill To Restructure NSA Office To Allow For Staff Recruitment

The Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (CCSTA) has thrown its weight behind the proposed legislation in the National Assembly seeking to restructure the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

In a statement signed by Comrade Kabir Matazu, its convener, the Coalition said the bill will enhance institutional memory and effective performance of the responsibilities of the NSA.

The bill seeks to allow the National Security Adviser to recruit permanent staff for his office, subject to the approval of the President.

Matazu argued that the current system is bedevilled with a plethora of functional, structural, and administrative problems, and the inability to provide a workable solution to combat the increasing spade of security challenges confronting the nation.

He said: “We note with utter consternation the unhealthy criticism by naysayers, who are averse to reform and change without necessarily looking at the merits of the bill if passed into law in terms of bringing efficiency and proper coordination in the performance of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“We wish to state that we are totally in support of the bill because its objective is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which will ultimately lead to the decimation of all terrorist groups and their sponsors and once again usher in an atmosphere of peace, security, and stability in our beloved nation.”

While calling the National Assembly to speedily pass the bill into law, the Coalition urged the NSA to remain focused.

“We call on Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to remain focused and steadfast in his unwavering commitment to bring the needed reform that will make Nigeria safe and secure for all citizens because that is what is obtainable in comparator organizations across the globe,” the statement added.

“Finally, we appeal to the National Assembly to speedily pass the bill into law to give the necessary legislative backing for the National Security Adviser to optimally deliver on his mandate of restoring confidence and security to Nigerians.”