Effect of legislative oversight on security agencies in Nigeria: An assessment of the NSCDC, the Police and the Army

Abstract

The study was motivated by the increasing challenge posed by insecurity in Nigeria and its potential to draw Nigeria backwards. Although the Executive Arm of the Government had the constitutional role to implement laws and policies that would ensure adequate security in the country through its multiple agencies, the National Assembly was expected to complement that effort through its oversight roles. This study was, therefore, embarked upon to investigate the oversight role played by the National Assembly in this important matter. Along this understanding, the study identified three objectives namely: Determine the ways the 8th and 9th National Assembly carried out oversight of the security sector in Nigeria, Determine the factors that influenced Legislative Oversight of the Security Sector in Nigeria and; Ascertain the effectiveness of Legislative Oversight of Security Sector in Nigeria. Despite the critical role of legislative oversight by the National Assembly in ensuring accountability, efficiency, and proper resource in Nigeria’s security agencies, persistent and worsening security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, Kidnapping, and communal violence continue to threaten national stability and development, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these oversight mechanisms and the need to assess their impact on security governance during the 8th and 9th National Assemblies. The study used primary and secondary sources for data collection. For the primary sources, questionnaire and interview were used to obtain information from respondents. Secondary data was obtained from publication/ text books, internet and official records. Percentages and frequencies were used to analyze data and responses collected. The study revealed that the National Assembly carried out its work in relation to the Executive Arm in a satisfactory manner; it was also revealed that the relevant legislative committees visit security agencies and that they interrogate the procurement processes of the agencies. With respect to objective two on what influenced legislative oversight of the security agencies; it was revealed that the oversight Committee had Action Plan they followed. The oversight was also influenced by the constitutional provision to do so. The legislative framework was another influence for the oversight. With respect to objective three on effectiveness of the oversight, the study revealed that there was lack of trust between oversight committee and security agencies and that the oversight of the sector did not bring about peace and harmony which made the oversight ineffective despite the enormous budgetary provisions made for the sector over several years. The study recommended that there should be alignment of the roles of the security agencies; There should be increase in oversight of defence procurement and; capacity building of oversight legislators should be enhanced; In order for NASS security sector related committee to perform their oversight functions effectively, there is need to increased access to classified information.