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The Department of State Services (DSS) has opposed proposals to permit foreign organisations to finance security operations in Nigeria through a proposed Trust Fund, warning that such arrangements could undermine national sovereignty, compromise operational confidentiality and expose the country’s intelligence framework to external influence.
The Service stated its position on Thursday during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence on a Bill seeking to establish the Department of State Services (DSS) Trust Fund.
While endorsing the overall objective of the legislation, the DSS urged lawmakers to amend several provisions relating to funding, governance and administration before the Bill is passed into law.
The public hearing considered three separate legislative proposals: the Department of State Services Trust Fund Bill (HB.2178), the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute Bill (HB.2589) and the DSS Research and Development Institute Bill (HB.2716).
Presenting its submission, the DSS described the proposed Trust Fund as a critical initiative designed to provide dedicated and sustainable financing for intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism operations and broader national security activities.
According to the agency, the Fund would support the acquisition of modern operational equipment, strengthen personnel training, enhance responses to emerging security threats and reduce delays often associated with conventional budgetary processes.
However, the Service strongly objected to provisions in the Bill that would allow grants, donations and endowments from international organisations.
It argued that foreign financing of security-related operations raises significant concerns regarding national sovereignty, institutional independence and operational secrecy. The DSS noted that international funding arrangements are often accompanied by reporting and disclosure requirements that could expose sensitive intelligence methodologies, procurement processes and deployment strategies.
The agency further warned that foreign donors may seek to influence domestic security priorities in ways that do not align with Nigeria’s unique security challenges, including insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.
To safeguard national interests, the DSS recommended that the relevant provision be amended to restrict grants, donations and endowments to local organisations and entities.
The Service also expressed concerns over the funding framework outlined in the Bill. It observed that the legislation grants the National Assembly discretion to determine annual contributions to the Trust Fund, a provision it said could create uncertainty and affect long-term planning.
According to the DSS, the Bill equally fails to clearly define the financial contributions expected from the Federal Government and state governments.
To address this gap, the agency proposed the adoption of a fixed percentage or clearly defined funding formula that would guarantee predictability while still allowing future legislative review where necessary.
The DSS also recommended amendments to the title of the Bill, specifically the removal of the word “Security” from the proposed name of the Trust Fund.
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The agency suggested that the legislation should instead be titled: “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Department of State Services Trust Fund, to Provide for its Management, Funding and Utilisation to Enhance National Security Operations; and for Related Matters.”
On governance, the Service called for a review of the composition of the proposed governing board. It noted that the board, as currently constituted, lacks mandatory legal representation and questioned the inclusion of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, describing it as a voluntary association without statutory backing.
To strengthen oversight and accountability, the DSS proposed that the Nigerian Bar Association nominate a representative with expertise in national security and human rights matters.
The agency further 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. It added that the individual should also be a legal practitioner with a minimum of 10 years post-call experience.
Additionally, the Service observed that the Bill contains no provisions outlining procedures for the resignation or removal of board members, including the chairman.
It therefore proposed new clauses allowing members to resign by giving one month’s written notice to the President and empowering the President to remove the chairman or any board member on grounds of misconduct, gross incompetence, inability to perform official duties or other sufficient cause.
Despite its reservations, the DSS urged the National Assembly to pass the Bill, describing it as an important mechanism for enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Service through sustainable funding.
The agency also used the hearing to express concerns about the proposed Strategic Intelligence Management Institute Bill, arguing that it could duplicate the functions of the National Institute for Security Studies established under the National Institute for Security Studies (Establishment) Act, 2019.
According to the DSS, both institutions would largely perform similar functions in providing strategic and specialised training for intelligence personnel, security operatives and public officials.
To prevent institutional overlap, the Service recommended that the proposed institute be restructured to focus exclusively on external intelligence, foreign intelligence operations and international intelligence cooperation, in line with the mandate of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, said the three bills were designed to strengthen the operational capacity of the DSS through sustainable funding, professional intelligence training and indigenous research and technological advancement.
Satomi described the proposed legislation as complementary measures aimed at addressing critical gaps within Nigeria’s intelligence architecture.
Speaking at the hearing, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, emphasised that national security remains fundamental to Nigeria’s stability and development.
He noted that persistent threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and transnational organised crime require sustained investment in intelligence capabilities, innovation and institutional capacity building.This version adopts a more polished news style, tighter structure, improved flow, and stronger attribution suitable for publication in a national newspaper or policy-focused media outlet
