DSS Opposes Foreign Funding Of Security Trust Fund, Warns Of External Influence

The Department of State Services has urged the House of Representatives to remove provisions allowing international organisations to fund its proposed Security Trust Fund, warning that foreign contributions could expose sensitive intelligence operations to external influence.

The service made its position known at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence on bills seeking to strengthen the operational capacity of the country’s domestic intelligence agency through dedicated funding, professional training and research development.

Presenting its submission on the bill to establish the DSS Trust Fund, the service, represented by Emmanuel Duabry, endorsed the legislation but proposed far-reaching amendments, including the deletion of provisions permitting grants, donations and endowments from international organisations.

Duabry said allowing foreign funding for a security-related Trust Fund raises serious concerns relating to sovereignty, operational confidentiality and institutional independence.

He warned that international funding arrangements may impose reporting and disclosure obligations capable of compromising sensitive security operations.

The DSS also raised the risk that foreign funding may introduce external influence over domestic security priorities, which may not always align with Nigeria’s specific security realities, including insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.

The service consequently proposed that the Trust Fund should only receive grants, donations and endowments from local organisations.

Despite its reservations, the DSS described the proposed legislation as a major step towards strengthening intelligence and security operations through sustainable financing.

Sources: Punch, Guardian