Bukola Afeni
The Executive Director of CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, has called on Civil Society Organizations to play a vital role in holding institutions in the Defence and security sector accountable and promote transparency.
He made the disclosure at a one day Civil Society Dialogue on Anti-corruption in the Defence and Security Sector in Akwa Ibom State.
The participants also called for comprehensive reforms in Defence budgeting and security provisioning.
“We need strengthened external oversight mechanisms, and active civil society engagement in monitoring procurement activities.We need legislative amendments, particularly in harmonizing provisions within the Freedom of Information Act and Official Secret Act, to enhance civilian oversight and transparency”, he said.
They also recommended the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and robust oversight mechanisms to address corruption within the Defence and Security sector.
Dr. Harry Udoh while making his presentation emphasised the critical role of civil society in ensuring transparency and accountability in the Defence and security sector.
Rafsanjani said the dialogue served as a platform for stakeholders to collectively address the challenges posed by corruption within Nigeria’s Defence and Security sector.
“Fostering collaboration between civil society, government institutions, and international partners, will pave way for a more accountable and transparent security apparatus, ultimately bolstering national security and integrity”, he said .
