The Department of State Services (DSS) has backed a proposed bill to establish a dedicated Trust Fund for its operations but rejected provisions that would allow foreign organisations to finance Nigeria’s intelligence activities, citing concerns over sovereignty and operational security.
The position was presented in Abuja on Thursday during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, where three security-related bills were considered.
The bills include the DSS Trust Fund Bill (HB.2178), the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute Bill (HB.2589), and the DSS Research and Development Institute Bill (HB.2716).
Speaking on behalf of the Service, Emmanuel Daubry said the proposed Trust Fund would provide stable and predictable financing for intelligence operations, counterterrorism efforts, and other national security responsibilities.
According to him, the fund is designed to reduce delays associated with conventional budgetary processes and improve the DSS’s capacity to respond to emerging threats.
“The Fund is designed to facilitate the acquisition of modern operational equipment, enhance training, and enable swift responses to emerging security challenges while safeguarding confidentiality required for sensitive activities,” he said.
However, the DSS opposed Section 3(d) of the bill, which permits grants and donations from international organisations, warning that such provisions could compromise operational independence.
“Allowing foreign funding for a security-related Trust Fund raises serious concerns relating to sovereignty, operational confidentiality, and institutional independence,” the Service said in its submission.
It further warned that external funding arrangements could impose disclosure obligations capable of exposing intelligence methods, procurement processes and operational strategies.
“There is also a risk that foreign funding may introduce external influence over domestic security priorities,” it added.
The Service recommended that funding sources be limited to domestic contributions to protect national security interests.
It also raised concerns over the absence of a defined funding formula, arguing that predictable financing is necessary for long-term operational planning.
On governance, the DSS proposed adjustments to the composition of the proposed Trust Fund board, questioning the inclusion of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and recommending structured state representation instead.
It also suggested that the Nigerian Bar Association nominate a representative with expertise in security and human rights, while the board secretary should be a serving or retired DSS officer with legal qualifications and relevant experience.
The Service further noted gaps in the bill regarding procedures for the resignation and removal of board members, urging lawmakers to address the issue.
Despite its reservations, the DSS urged the National Assembly to pass the bill, describing it as important for strengthening Nigeria’s intelligence capabilities.
“The Bill represents a significant and commendable effort to strengthen the operational capacity of the Service through sustainable funding mechanisms,” it said.
On the proposed Strategic Intelligence Management Institute, the DSS warned of duplication, noting that similar functions already exist under the National Institute for Security Studies.
It recommended that the new institute be refocused on external intelligence, foreign operations and international cooperation in line with the mandate of the National Intelligence Agency.
Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Ahmed Satomi, said the bills aim to strengthen funding, training and research in Nigeria’s security sector.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, said national security reforms must focus on stronger intelligence systems, predictable funding and capacity development.
