Reps Push for National Security Trust Fund to Boost Intelligence Funding

Gloria Ikibah

9 hours ago

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has proposed the establishment of a National Security and Intelligence Trust Fund as a strategic solution to Nigeria’s security funding challenges.

Chairman of House Committee on National Security and Intelligenc, Rep. Ahmad Satomi, stated this at a public hearing on “A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH NIGERIAN SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE TRUST FUND TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR SECURITY RELATED ISSUES, APART FROM USUAL BUDGETARY PROVISIONS FROM THE FEDERATION, INTERVENE IN COMBATING SECURITY ISSUES IN NIGERIA AND FOR RELATED MATTERS”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Rep. Satome who is sponsor of the bill emphasised that the current funding model for intelligence agencies was inadequate.

Rep. Satome stated that while California University operates on a $100 billion budget—30% of which is allocated to research and development—Nigeria’s entire security budget remains significantly lower despite its larger population and pressing security concerns.

According to the piece of legislation, the proposed trust fund is expected to provide alternative financial support for intelligence operations, reducing reliance on annual budgetary allocations. Funding sources for the trust include:

1% of the consolidated revenue from the Federation Account.
Airspace revenue generated from Nigeria’s airspace.
Unclaimed funds (still under debate due to constitutional concerns).
Donations and gifts (some stakeholders suggest removing this option to prevent corruption).

The bill is seen as a crucial step toward strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture by ensuring sustainable and efficient funding for intelligence agencies.

“The bill’s proponents argue that alternative funding is essential to address the country’s security challenges, which cannot be solved solely through kinetic operations. They emphasize the need for a more holistic approach, incorporating intelligence gathering, training, and capacity building.

“To address concerns about corruption and mismanagement, the bill proposes a board comprising representatives from various security agencies, paramilitary organizations, and civil society groups. The board will oversee the management of the trust fund, ensuring transparency and accountability”, it stated.

The Chairman emphasised that alternative funding was essential for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

With about percent of submissions and adoption by the various stakeholders at the public hearing in favor of the bill, there is a clear and overwhelming demand for reform.