The Federal Government has established an inter-ministerial committee to review and address the proliferation of security and paramilitary agencies across Nigeria, in a move aimed at improving coordination and operational efficiency within the sector.
The committee was inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who was represented at the event by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana. The initiative is part of broader efforts to streamline the country’s security architecture and eliminate inefficiencies caused by overlapping mandates.
According to the SGF, the increasing number of formal and informal security-related outfits has resulted in duplication of responsibilities, jurisdictional disputes, and reduced operational effectiveness among agencies.
He explained that the committee’s findings will guide government decisions on possible restructuring of the security sector.
The panel is tasked with compiling a full inventory of all security and paramilitary organisations in the country, reviewing their legal and operational mandates, and identifying areas of overlap or conflict. It will also assess the effectiveness of emerging security outfits and evaluate existing coordination mechanisms.
In addition, the committee is expected to recommend far-reaching reforms to strengthen accountability and reduce redundancy. These may include proposals for mergers, harmonisation, reclassification, or even the dissolution of agencies where necessary.
The committee will also explore policy, legal, and institutional reforms needed to align Nigeria’s security operations with national priorities and global standards.
Membership of the panel cuts across key institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The committee is expected to submit its comprehensive report, containing actionable recommendations, within a specified timeframe.
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