The House of Representatives on Thursday launched an investigation into all security intervention funds released by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu from 2020 to date.
At the opening session of the investigative hearing in Abuja, the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, Hon. Zakaria Nyampa, said the probe seeks to ensure transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in managing resources meant to safeguard Nigerians.
Hon. Nyampa noted that the investigation became necessary due to the growing disparity between the substantial budgetary allocations to the security sector and the continued insecurity across the nation.
While stressing that the exercise “is not a witch-hunt,” he said the Parliament has a constitutional duty to “ensure that every naira released for security serves its purpose to safeguard lives and property.”
He explained that the probe would review all intervention heads, special allocations, and procurement processes undertaken by beneficiary agencies, and evaluate how such expenditures have impacted national security.
“We are determined to follow the money with diligence, objectivity, and patriotism,” he added.
To guarantee openness and credibility, he stated that the Ad-hoc Committee would work closely with the Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Defence, and the Nigeria Police Force. The Committee will also collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and civil society organisations including BudgIT, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and SERAP.
Hon. Nyampa, who cautioned that the misuse of funds allocated for security poses serious risks to national stability, said:
“When money meant to secure our nation is diverted, the cost is not just in naira and kobo — it’s in human lives. We owe it to Nigerians to get this right.”
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He assured that the Committee’s findings would contribute to strengthening security governance and rebuilding public trust.
Earlier, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen reiterated the commitment of the House of Representatives to accountability, transparency, and the prudent use of all security intervention funds in the country.
Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, the Speaker said the establishment of the Ad-hoc Committee reflects the House’s firm resolve to uphold accountability in matters concerning national security.
He urged members of the Committee to embody the House’s guiding principles of accountability, effectiveness, and fairness.
Hon. Tajudeen also praised Hon. Nyampa for accepting to lead the task with integrity and encouraged the Committee to discharge its duties thoroughly and effectively.