Ongoing Counter-terrorism Operations Draining Resources

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Jafiya, has said the ongoing Military operations against insecurity and terrorism across the country have continued to drain government resources, both human and financial.

Jafiya stated this at the Nigerian Air Force Finance Seminar 2024, which was held on Thursday in Abuja and was organised by the Accounts and Budget Branch. The seminar’s theme was “Fostering a Culture of Accountability in the Management of NAF Finances in Support of Contemporary Air Power Demands.”

The Special Guest of Honour, in her lecture titled “Managing Financial Resources in the Face of Rising Contemporary Security Challenges: Federal Government Financial Reforms in Perspective,” said that peace was desperately desired, adding that without peace, the nation might not have an economy that thrives on meeting the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians.

She said, “In this respect, citizens’ security must be given its rightful place as it helps minimize crime and create the right environment for investments and growth.

“Peace-development nexus is a roadmap to progress, and it is required to define our engagement from the military and fiscal policy perspectives. The connection between security and public financial management is symbiotic.

“Without security, economic activities are stifled, revenue generation suffers, and the capacity of the Nation and Sub-nationals to finance its operations, including security, diminishes.

“Conversely, without sound Public Financial Management (PFM), the resources needed to address security challenges effectively cannot be mobilised,”.

The permanent secretary stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration introduced audacious financial reforms to promote accountability, transparency, and fiscal discipline, thus ensuring the effective delivery of goods and services to the citizenry.

She commended the NAF for fostering a culture of accountability in managing its finances through capacity building of its personnel in charge of managing the funds.

According to her, the financial management, procurement processes, and audit functions should also be aligned with the Federal Government’s economic reforms.

She added that this would ensure that the military and security agencies have tactically proficient personnel who understand the various financial reforms in their day-to-day operations.

“Military should emphasise the outputs and outcomes that are expected to be delivered based on the public funds they receive.

“Military must determine whether the requested resources are commensurate with the objectives.

“Military should begin their activities using the non-kinetic method, which is less expensive and more friendly.

“The military, therefore, is a critical stakeholder in the Nigerian project, not just on the battlefield, but in the broader context of national development and sustainability.

“Your commitment, discipline, and strategic thinking are essential as the nation strives to overcome its challenges to create prosperity for all,’’ she added.

Jafiya assured the NAF that the Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda was willing, able, and ready to support it and other security Service agencies in maintaining the nation’s sovereign integrity.