…Challenges defence ministry on accountability, transparency
Nigerias current security challenges and emerging threats require the countrys military and other relevant stakeholders to be several steps ahead of perpetrators while also stepping up local production of armaments.
This was one of the highlights of the response of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo after receiving a presentation on: Defence Transformation and National Security: Strategic Options for Nigeria of the Future, by the National Defence College Course-30 participants, on Wednesday, during a virtual interaction.
Prof. Osinbajo said Nigeria is facing a myriad of challenges like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom and agitations for secession, among others.
Security breaches are rife across all the six geo-political zones, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which as a symbol of authority is being desecrated and civilians and security operatives killed. While the Federal Government had been budgeting billions of naira on defence and security, experts believe the manner in which the resources are being spent is questionable; hence the call for transparency and in some cases probe.
In his presentation to the participants of the Defence College, the Vice-President also spoke about the need for transparency in the management of resources meant for the acquisition of hardware for the defence and security agencies.
There needs to be more accountability, because every time you hear about: we not having enough equipment; but there must be accountability. I would like to see a framework for greater accountability within the Ministry of Defence which ensures that they are able to account for military expenditure,he said, in an issued statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, yesterday.
According to him, Nigerias current security challenges and emerging threats required the military and other relevant stakeholders to be several steps ahead of perpetrators while also stepping-up local production of armaments.
The Vice-President while making a case for improved investment in Defence Industries Corporation, (DICON), noted that every country of the world takes advantage (in my view) of the crisis situation that it faces. Commending the course participants for their efforts in proposing innovations in the defence sector, Prof. Osinbajo emphasised the urgency of the local production of arms.
Earlier in a presentation on behalf of the Course-30 participants, Col. A. A. Adamu proposed, among other things, the restructuring of the Ministry of Defence to reflect contemporary challenges as well as contain emerging threats to defence and security.
Other officials present at the event included the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Awwal Gambo; the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, and representative of the Inspector-General of Police, among other senior officers from the College.
