Lawmakers, NIPSS To Reshape National Security Measures

House of Representatives has agreed to engage the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in the redesigning of the nation’s security measures and make it an integral part of the solution.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki from Sokoto State on the floor of the House.

In his presentation, Dasuki noted Nigeria faces numerous security challenges, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, cybercrime, and general criminal activities affecting all regions and citizens’ lives.

The lawmaker recalled that the 9th Assembly House established a Special Committee on National Security on March 17, 2021, to address the severe deterioration in the nation’s security.

He said the committee’s findings highlighted Nigeria’s security challenges, including non-kinetic strategies, overlapping security institutions, professionalism issues, state-based militias, regional collaboration difficulties, ethnic and religious tensions, poor border control, corruption, and environmental issues.

Dasuki expressed concern that critical and urgent interventions, as indicated by the committee’s summit findings, are essential to address these security issues, prevent further escalation of violence and instability in the region, and safeguard the lives and assets of the communities.

He said, “As at last Thursday, the 10th Assembly has discussed  103 security related motions, which means a lot. The implication of that is that we take security of our constituents as the topmost priority.

Dasuki prayed the House to revisit the report of that special committee in order to waste taxpayers’ money again embarking on a similar exercise.

Consequently, the House resolved to revisit the report of the 9th House of Representatives Special Committee on National Security, review the document and consider its recommendations.

It also resolved to adopt the report and take the necessary actions for the full implementation of its recommendations by the executive.