The Department of State Services has opposed provisions in a proposed law that would allow foreign grants and donations to finance its operations, warning that such arrangements could compromise Nigeria’s national security.
The position was presented during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence on three bills aimed at strengthening intelligence operations through improved funding, training, and indigenous research. The proposed laws include the DSS Trust Fund Bill, the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute Bill, and the DSS Research and Development Institute Bill.
Representing the agency, Emmanuel Daubry said the proposed Trust Fund would provide stable financing for intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism operations, and emergency responses. However, he stressed that while the DSS supports the objective of improved funding, it strongly objects to clauses permitting foreign grants, donations, and endowments.
According to the agency, foreign funding could expose sensitive intelligence operations through mandatory reporting requirements and potentially allow external influence over Nigeria’s security priorities. It warned that such arrangements could affect operations targeting insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.
The DSS therefore urged lawmakers to limit funding sources to domestic contributions and recommended a clearer funding formula involving both federal and state governments to ensure sustainability.
On governance structure, the agency proposed amendments to the composition of the Trust Fund board, questioning the inclusion of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, which it described as a voluntary association rather than a statutory body. It instead recommended representation from the Nigerian Bar Association, particularly legal experts in national security and human rights.
The agency also suggested that the board secretary should be appointed by the President and be a serving or retired DSS officer with legal experience and at least 10 years post-call practice. It further proposed that board members should be removable by the President for misconduct or incapacity.
Despite its reservations, the DSS urged the National Assembly to pass the bill, describing it as critical to improving intelligence funding and operational efficiency.
The Service also raised concerns about the proposed Strategic Intelligence Management Institute, arguing that it may duplicate existing functions of the National Institute for Security Studies established under the 2019 Act. It recommended that the new institute focus strictly on external intelligence cooperation in line with the mandate of the National Intelligence Agency.
At the hearing, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, emphasised the need for sustained investment in intelligence, technology, and security capacity building. Represented by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, he noted that Nigeria’s security challenges—including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and organised crime—require stronger intelligence-driven responses.
He also highlighted the importance of local research and innovation, describing the proposed DSS Research and Development Bureau as vital to developing proactive security solutions.
Meanwhile, state governors continued consultations on the proposed creation of state police. Speaking after a meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said governors received updates on constitutional amendment efforts and operational frameworks for state policing.
The governors insisted that any state police structure must be grounded in constitutional provisions, democratic principles, and strong safeguards for citizens’ rights. The National Assembly is currently considering amendments that could move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, paving the way for state-controlled policing.
They also reaffirmed support for a governance framework previously developed by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, outlining funding, oversight, personnel structure, and digital infrastructure for a potential state police system.
