Bukola Afeni
Civil Society Organizations, government agencies, security and media personnels have emphasized the need to end the culture of silence that surrounds human rights abuses within the defence and security sector.
While also calling on the elites to fully embrace the fight against corruption.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria), in collaboration with Transparency International – Defence and Security Project (TI-DSP) and with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, made the disclosure at a one-day workshop on the theme “Reforming the Nigerian Defence and Security Sector through Strengthening Mechanisms Fundamental for Effective Oversight Functions”.
The group added that the primary issue lies not in the laws themselves, but in the culture of corruption within society and the defence and security sector.
“The lack of planning in the budgeting process and implementation contributes to weak civilian control over the defence and security sector.
Challenges to transparency and accountability in the defence and security sector include the lack of a robust legal framework, limited awareness and capacity, political interference, and resistance to change, among others.
Another issue of great concern to the participants is the tendency to marginalize women in the defence and security sector.
The group disclosed that corruption, especially within Nigeria’s defence and security sector, is genocidal.
” It is a violation of people’s rights, a crime against humanity. Constitutional and legal instruments exist to ensure transparency and accountability in the public sector, but the lack of implementation mechanisms is a significant challenge”.
Citizens were advised on the right to request information on public expenditure, as transparency and accountability are human rights issues.
“Transparency facilitates the timely flow of information, and denying access, as seen in the defence and security sector, contributes to a lack of accountability and corruption.”
