Nigeria is advancing major changes to its security system, as lawmakers, governors, and intelligence agencies push new laws, funding models, and state policing plans to tackle rising threats.

The shift comes amid persistent terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and organised crime affecting both northern and southern regions.

At the centre of the effort is the National Assembly, where three security-related bills are under review to strengthen intelligence capacity and funding.

The House Committee on National Security and Intelligence held a public hearing in Abuja to examine the proposals.

The bills include the DSS Trust Fund Bill, Strategic Intelligence Management Institute Bill, and DSS Research and Development Institute Bill.

The <a href=”https://www.dss.gov.ng”>Department of State Services</a> backed the funding initiative but opposed foreign contributions.

Officials warned that external funding could expose sensitive operations and compromise national security.

They argued that such funding often comes with disclosure rules that may reveal intelligence methods and strategies.

DSS Rejects Foreign Funding, Seeks Local Model

At the hearing, DSS representative Emmanuel Daubry described the proposed Trust Fund as a step toward stable financing.

He said the fund would support intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, and rapid response operations.

However, the agency raised strong objections to provisions allowing international donations.

It warned that foreign donors could influence Nigeria’s security priorities in ways that may not reflect local realities.

The DSS recommended limiting funding sources to domestic organisations to protect operational independence.

It also called for clearer funding formulas, saying predictable contributions from federal and state governments are essential.

The agency further proposed changes to the board structure overseeing the fund.

It questioned the inclusion of the NGF and suggested legal experts be made mandatory members.

In addition, it recommended that the board secretary be a qualified DSS officer with legal experience.

The DSS also cautioned against duplicating existing institutions.

It warned that the proposed intelligence institute could overlap with the National Institute for Security Studies established under the 2019 Act.

To resolve this, it suggested focusing the new institute on foreign intelligence and international cooperation.

Governors Push State Police Framework

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s 36 state governors are intensifying efforts to establish state police as part of wider security changes.

Under the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), they reviewed proposals with state attorneys-general in Abuja.

The plan involves constitutional amendments to shift policing from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List.

This change would allow states to create and manage their own police forces under federal oversight.

Governors said the system must align with democratic principles and protect citizens’ rights.

They are also working on frameworks covering funding, recruitment, oversight, and technology integration.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, called for stronger investment in intelligence and innovation.

He said, “We cannot continue to demand exceptional commitment from our troops without first ensuring that they have the tools and support they need to succeed.”

He added that modern security threats require research-driven and technology-based solutions.

Tajudeen also backed the creation of a research bureau to develop local security solutions tailored to Nigeria’s needs.

He said security remains the foundation of national development, linking it to economic stability and public safety.

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