DSS security trust fund proposal gains backing, but the agency warns foreign funding could compromise intelligence operations and sovereignty

The Department of State Services has urged the House of Representatives to remove provisions allowing international organisations to contribute to the proposed DSS Security Trust Fund, warning that foreign funding could expose sensitive intelligence operations to external influence and undermine Nigeria’s national security.

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The position was presented in Abuja on Thursday during a public hearing organised by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence on a series of bills aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency through sustainable funding, professional training and research development.

Representing the DSS at the hearing, Emmanuel Duabry expressed strong support for the proposed DSS Security Trust Fund but called for significant amendments, particularly the removal of provisions permitting grants, donations and endowments from international organisations.

According to the Service, accepting foreign contributions for security-related operations could create vulnerabilities by subjecting intelligence activities to reporting and disclosure obligations imposed by external donors.

“Section 3(d), which permits grants, donations, and endowments from international organisations, should be expunged,” Duabry told lawmakers.

“Allowing foreign funding for a security-related Trust Fund raises serious concerns relating to sovereignty, operational confidentiality, and institutional independence.

International funding arrangements may impose reporting and disclosure obligations capable of compromising sensitive security operations, including intelligence methods, procurement processes, and deployment strategies.”

Duabry further argued that foreign financial support could influence domestic security priorities in ways that may not align with Nigeria’s unique challenges, including insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.

“There is also a risk that foreign funding may introduce external influence over domestic security priorities, which may not always align with Nigeria’s specific security realities,” he added.

The DSS proposed that the Trust Fund should instead be limited to grants, donations and endowments from local organisations and domestic stakeholders.

Despite these reservations, the Service described the proposed legislation as a transformative initiative capable of enhancing intelligence gathering, counterterrorism operations and emergency response capabilities through predictable and sustainable funding.

According to the agency, the fund would facilitate the acquisition of modern operational equipment, improve personnel training and enable rapid deployment during security emergencies without the delays often associated with traditional budgetary procedures.

“The bill represents a significant and commendable effort to strengthen the operational capacity of the Service through sustainable funding mechanisms.

It is, therefore, in the best interest of national security that the Bill be passed into law,” the DSS stated.

The Service also raised concerns about the proposed funding structure, arguing that the legislation grants excessive discretion to the National Assembly in determining annual allocations.

To ensure stability and long-term planning, the DSS recommended the adoption of a defined funding formula or fixed percentage contribution mechanism.

Additional recommendations focused on the composition of the proposed governing board. The agency questioned the inclusion of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, describing it as a voluntary association without statutory backing.

Instead, the DSS proposed that the Nigerian Bar Association should nominate a representative with expertise in national security and human rights matters.

The agency also recommended that the Board Secretary be appointed by the President and be a serving or retired DSS officer not below the rank of Assistant Director, with at least 10 years post-call legal experience.

Beyond funding issues, the DSS expressed concerns about another bill seeking to establish a Strategic Intelligence Management Institute.

The agency argued that the proposed institution substantially duplicates the functions of the National Institute for Security Studies, which was established under the National Institute for Security Studies Act, 2019.

According to the DSS, both institutions would provide strategic and specialised intelligence training, potentially creating overlapping mandates and inefficient use of public resources.

To address the concern, the Service proposed that the institute be redesigned to focus exclusively on external intelligence operations and international intelligence cooperation, areas traditionally associated with the National Intelligence Agency.

“The design and functions of the proposed Institute should be refocused to serve as a specialised training and capacity-building hub specifically oriented towards external intelligence, foreign intelligence operations, and international intelligence cooperation,” Duabry said.

The Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Ahmed Satomi, defended the proposed legislation, describing the three bills as complementary measures designed to improve funding, professional training and indigenous technological development within Nigeria’s intelligence architecture.

“These bills are interlinked. One addresses funding, the second addresses professional training and coordination, and the third addresses indigenous capacity and technology.

Together, they aim to position our intelligence agencies to better protect Nigerians and Nigeria’s national interest,” Satomi said.

The committee chairman emphasised that the public hearing was intended to gather expert opinions and stakeholder contributions before the bills advance through the legislative process.

Also speaking at the event, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Julius Ihonvbere, described national security as the foundation of Nigeria’s stability and development.

He noted that threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, kidnapping, banditry and transnational organised crime require increased investment in intelligence capabilities, innovation and institutional resilience.

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The hearing comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges across multiple regions, prompting growing calls for stronger intelligence coordination, improved funding mechanisms and modernised operational capacity within security agencies.