Senate Expresses Concern Over Persistent Insecurity Despite Heavy Allocation to Security Sector
Mohammed Monguno, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, voiced the National Assembly's shared concern over the prevailing security challenges in Nigeria, despite substantial budgetary allocations to the security sector.
Addressing stakeholders at a dialogue on the State of Human Rights in Nigeria, Monguno underscored the government's primary responsibility to ensure the safety and security of citizens. He highlighted the significant allocation of funds, totaling N3.25 trillion, for national security in the 2024 appropriation act.
Despite these allocations, insecurity persists across various regions of the country, with reports indicating approximately 245 kidnapping cases and demands for over N6 billion in ransom during January 2024 alone.
Monguno assured that the National Assembly remains committed to addressing these challenges, emphasizing the importance of oversight to ensure the judicious utilization of allocated funds by security agencies.
Clement Nwankwo, the Executive Director of PLAC, lamented ongoing human rights challenges in Nigeria, citing institutional, behavioral, and human-made obstacles that hinder the full exercise of citizens' rights.
Anthony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, stressed the importance of government and its agencies adhering to court orders to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). He supported the establishment of state police, highlighting its potential to enhance security, particularly in ungoverned areas.
Despite concerns about potential misuse, Ojukwu affirmed that proper regulations would ensure the effectiveness and accountability of state police forces, ultimately contributing to national security and the protection of citizens' rights.
