The Department of State Services (DSS) has cautioned against allowing foreign organisations to finance the proposed DSS Trust Fund, warning that external funding could compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty, intelligence operations, and national security priorities.
The position was presented during a public hearing convened by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence to consider legislative proposals aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the nation’s domestic intelligence agency.
Representing the DSS at the hearing, Emmanuel Duabry expressed the agency’s support for the establishment of a dedicated Trust Fund designed to provide sustainable financing for intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism operations, personnel training, technological advancement, and emergency security interventions. However, he emphasized that certain provisions of the bill require amendment to safeguard the independence and confidentiality of the Service.
A key area of concern for the DSS is the provision permitting international organisations, foreign agencies, and external donors to contribute grants, donations, and endowments to the proposed fund. According to the Service, accepting foreign financial support for intelligence-related activities could expose sensitive national security operations to undue influence and external scrutiny.
Duabry argued that intelligence agencies operate within a highly confidential environment where operational secrecy is critical. He noted that foreign donors often attach accountability and reporting requirements to their funding, which could compel the disclosure of sensitive information relating to intelligence operations, procurement processes, strategic planning, and national security priorities.
“Allowing foreign funding for a security-related trust fund raises serious concerns regarding sovereignty, operational confidentiality, and institutional independence,” he stated.
The DSS warned that foreign contributors could also attempt to shape or influence security priorities through their financial involvement. Such influence, the Service argued, may not align with Nigeria’s unique security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and transnational organised crime.
According to the agency, security policies and intelligence operations should be determined exclusively by Nigeria’s national interests rather than by the preferences or strategic objectives of foreign institutions.
To address these concerns, the DSS proposed that all grants, donations, and voluntary contributions to the Trust Fund should originate solely from domestic sources, including Nigerian organisations, corporate entities, and individuals willing to support national security initiatives.
Despite its reservations regarding foreign funding, the Service described the Trust Fund proposal as a significant step toward ensuring predictable and sustainable financing for intelligence and security operations. Officials noted that stable funding has become increasingly important as security threats grow more sophisticated and require advanced technology, specialised training, and rapid response capabilities.
The agency also called for a more transparent and clearly defined funding formula within the legislation. Rather than relying entirely on annual appropriations determined by the National Assembly, the DSS suggested that specific funding mechanisms should be enshrined in law to guarantee consistent financial support for critical operations.
In addition, the Service recommended adjustments to the composition of the proposed Trust Fund’s governing board. Among its suggestions is the inclusion of legal expertise through a nominee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), a move intended to strengthen oversight, accountability, and compliance with legal standards.
Beyond the Trust Fund proposal, the DSS also raised objections to a separate bill seeking to establish a Strategic Intelligence Management Institute. According to the agency, the proposed institution would duplicate the functions already performed by the existing National Institute for Security Studies, which currently serves as a key platform for advanced security education, policy research, and strategic intelligence training.
The Service argued that creating another institution with similar responsibilities could result in unnecessary duplication of resources, overlapping mandates, and increased administrative costs without delivering significant additional value to Nigeria’s security architecture.
Lawmakers at the hearing acknowledged the importance of sustainable funding for security agencies amid rising security challenges across the country. Stakeholders noted that intelligence agencies require modern tools, advanced surveillance capabilities, data analysis systems, and highly trained personnel to effectively address emerging threats.
Security analysts say the debate over foreign funding highlights a broader challenge faced by many countries: balancing the need for financial support and international cooperation with the imperative of maintaining national sovereignty and protecting classified information.
As deliberations on the proposed legislation continue, members of the House Committee are expected to review the recommendations submitted by the DSS and other stakeholders before presenting a final version of the bill for legislative consideration.
If eventually passed into law, the DSS Trust Fund is expected to strengthen the agency’s operational capacity, improve intelligence gathering capabilities, enhance counter-terrorism efforts, and support Nigeria’s broader objective of safeguarding national security in an increasingly complex threat environment.
