DSS Opposes Foreign Funding of Security Operations, Warns of Sovereignty Risks
By Peace Erewunmi
The Department of State Services (DSS) has opposed proposals to allow foreign entities to fund Nigeria’s security operations, warning that such arrangements could undermine national sovereignty, operational secrecy, and institutional independence.
The position was presented during a public hearing held in Abuja by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, where lawmakers considered two proposed bills seeking to establish a DSS Security Trust Fund and a Strategic Intelligence Management Institute.
According to the DSS, while it supports improved and sustainable funding for intelligence and security operations, permitting foreign donations or grants could expose sensitive national security operations to external influence.
The agency warned that foreign funding arrangements may come with disclosure requirements that could compromise intelligence methods, procurement processes, and operational strategies used in tackling insecurity challenges such as terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
It further argued that national security funding should remain strictly under domestic control to preserve the independence of Nigeria’s intelligence architecture and prevent external interference in internal security priorities.
The DSS recommended that any provision allowing international contributions be removed or restricted, insisting that funding sources should be limited to domestic institutions and government-approved channels.
Despite its objections, the agency expressed support for the overall objective of the proposed legislation, noting that a dedicated security trust fund could strengthen intelligence operations, improve training, and enhance response capacity if properly structured.
Lawmakers at the hearing assured stakeholders that inputs from relevant agencies would be considered before the bills progress to the next stage of legislative review.
As of the time of filing this report, further deliberations on the proposed bills are still ongoing at the National Assembly.
