The House of Representatives has held a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Nigerian Security and Intelligence Trust Fund to provide alternative funding for security agencies, particularly the armed forces.
The bill, sponsored by Ahmed Satomi, the member representing Jere Federal Constituency, Borno State, aims to enhance Nigeria’s security and intelligence capabilities to effectively fulfil their constitutional mandate of securing lives and property.
The event, held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, was declared open by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, alongside other federal lawmakers. Addressing participants, Speaker Abbas described security as a major challenge in the country.
He urged participants to provide valuable insights, stating the public hearing is organised to allow members of the public to make informed contributions that will assist the House of Representatives in deciding on the establishment of the Nigerian Security and Intelligence Trust Fund.
He also cautioned against potential conflicts between the proposed legislation and existing laws. He emphasised that intelligence gathering, rather than a purely forceful approach, is key to overcoming terrorism and other security threats across the country.