By Mercy Aikoye
The Department of State Services (DSS) has thrown its weight behind a bill seeking to establish a DSS Trust Fund but has called on lawmakers to make key amendments before its passage.
The Service made its position known on Thursday during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence in Abuja.
The proposed legislation is one of three bills currently before the House aimed at strengthening the operational capacity, training and research capabilities of the nation’s intelligence service.
A major concern raised by the DSS was the provision allowing foreign entities to contribute to the proposed Trust Fund.
The agency warned that accepting foreign funding could expose intelligence operations to external influence and create obligations that may undermine the confidentiality required for national security activities.
According to the DSS, intelligence agencies must maintain a high degree of operational independence, especially in matters relating to funding and strategic decision-making.
“Foreign funding arrangements may impose reporting obligations capable of compromising sensitive security operations,” the Service stated.
The agency therefore urged lawmakers to review the provision and ensure that funding sources do not create vulnerabilities for the country’s intelligence system.
Despite its concerns, the DSS said the proposed Trust Fund is necessary to guarantee a stable and predictable source of funding for its operations.
The Service explained that intelligence gathering, counterterrorism activities, surveillance operations, personnel training and acquisition of modern equipment require sustained financial support that may not always be available through the annual budget process.
It noted that delays associated with budget approvals and fund releases often affect operational efficiency and limit the ability of security agencies to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
According to the DSS, the Trust Fund would provide a dedicated financing mechanism capable of supporting critical security operations and enhancing national security outcomes.
The agency also urged lawmakers to provide clearer provisions regarding contributions from the Federal Government and state governments.
It argued that the bill should specify a fixed percentage, formula or other defined mechanism for funding the Trust Fund to eliminate ambiguity and ensure long-term sustainability.
The DSS further proposed the removal of the word “Security” from the title of the bill, saying the amendment would make the legislation more precise and consistent with its intended purpose.
The Service also expressed reservations about the proposed composition of the governing board that would oversee the Trust Fund.
It specifically questioned the inclusion of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), arguing that the body is not established by statute and therefore may not be suitable for representation on a statutory board.
As an alternative, the DSS recommended that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) be given representation through the nomination of a qualified legal practitioner.
According to the agency, legal expertise on the board would strengthen governance, accountability and compliance with the provisions of the law.
The DSS observed that the bill does not provide procedures for the resignation or removal of board members.
To address this gap, it proposed that members should be allowed to resign by giving one month’s notice in writing to the President.
It also recommended that the President be empowered to remove any member found guilty of misconduct, incompetence or any action capable of undermining the objectives of the Fund.
The agency argued that such provisions are necessary to ensure accountability and effective administration of the Trust Fund.
Notwithstanding its observations, the DSS strongly supported the passage of the legislation.
The Service described the bill as a significant effort to improve its operational effectiveness and strengthen its ability to address growing security challenges across the country.
“The Bill represents a significant and commendable effort to strengthen the operational capacity of the Service,” the DSS stated.
It added that the establishment of the Trust Fund would ultimately serve the best interests of Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The DSS also commented on another proposed legislation seeking to establish the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute.
The agency warned that the proposed institution could duplicate the functions of the National Institute for Security Studies, which already provides intelligence and security-related training.
To avoid overlap, the DSS advised that the new institute should focus specifically on external intelligence training and specialised research areas not currently covered by existing institutions.
Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Ahmed Satomi, said the three bills before the House are intended to improve funding, training and research within the DSS.
According to him, the proposed laws are interconnected and form part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.
“These Bills are interlinked and designed to better protect Nigerians,” Satomi said.
He noted that the public hearing was part of the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to consult stakeholders before passing legislation.
The committee chairman urged participants to make factual, constructive and concise submissions, assuring them that all recommendations would receive careful consideration.
Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere described security as the foundation upon which national development depends.
Abbas said no country can achieve meaningful economic growth, political stability or social progress if its citizens live under constant fear of violence and criminality.
He noted that emerging threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and transnational organised crime require modern and innovative responses.
According to him, sustainable funding, continuous training and research-driven policy development are essential for security agencies to remain effective in a rapidly changing threat environment.
The Speaker therefore called on stakeholders to support the legislative process and help shape laws capable of addressing Nigeria’s present and future security challenges.
