SSS supports new trust fund bill, wants ban on foreign donations and reforms

The State Security Service (SSS) has shown support for a proposed law to create a Trust Fund for the agency. But they asked lawmakers to take out parts that allow foreign donations and to change important parts of its funding and governance.

The SSS shared its views during a public hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence in Abuja on Thursday.

Emmanuel Daubry, an official of the SSS, spoke on behalf of the agency. The hearing looked at three bills: the Bill for an Act to Establish the Department of State Services Trust Fund (HB.2178), the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute Bill (HB.2589), and the DSS Research and Development Institute Bill (HB.2716).

Mr Daubry stated that the proposed Trust Fund would give a steady and flexible way to fund intelligence work, counter-terrorism efforts, and other national security duties. He mentioned that it would help reduce reliance on regular budget funds, improve access to modern tools, boost training, and allow for quick reactions to new threats like terrorism, civil unrest, and other security issues.

He said, "Predictable funding would also help protect sensitive operations that require confidentiality and timely deployment beyond standard budget processes."

While the SSS supports the main goal of the bill, they suggested several changes to make it stronger. One main change they wanted was to remove parts that allow grants, donations, and endowments from foreign groups.

Mr Daubry warned that foreign money could bring outside influence into intelligence work and threaten national security. He explained that such funding often comes with rules that could expose intelligence methods, strategies, and procurement processes.

He also warned that foreign money could influence Nigeria’s security priorities in ways that might not match Nigeria’s real security needs, such as fighting insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping. Therefore, the SSS recommended that contributions should only come from local groups and domestic sources.

On the funding structure, the SSS showed concern about parts that let the National Assembly decide the amount of government contributions each year, saying this could create uncertainty for planning long-term. They suggested a fixed percentage or a clear funding formula to ensure sustainability, while still allowing for legislative review when needed.

The agency also wanted to change the title of the bill, suggesting that the word "Security" be removed. They proposed the title read: "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, look and for Related Matters."

Mr Daubry also suggested changes to some sections of the bill and edits to the explanatory memorandum. Regarding governance, the SSS talked about the proposed makeup of the governing board, saying it did not include mandatory legal representation and included the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, which they called a non-statutory body.

They recommended that state representation should not depend on the forum and suggested that the Nigerian Bar Association recommend a representative with knowledge in national security and human rights. The SSS also advised that the board secretary should be appointed by the President and be a serving or retired officer with at least 10 years of legal experience.

They pointed out gaps in the bill, noting it did not outline clear steps for board members to resign or be removed. To fix this, they proposed allowing members to resign with one month’s notice to the President and giving the President the power to remove the chairman or any member for misconduct or inability to perform their duties.

Despite their suggestions, the SSS urged lawmakers to pass the bill, calling it a vital step to boost their operational ability. In another statement, the SSS warned that the proposed Strategic Intelligence Management Institute overlaps with the National Institute for Security Studies set up under the National Institute for Security Studies Act, 2019.

They noted that both groups seem to perform similar roles in strategic intelligence training and capacity building for security officers and public officials. To prevent duplication, the SSS suggested focusing the new institute on external intelligence training and international cooperation.

They said this would match the National Intelligence Agency’s role under the National Security Agencies Act and strengthen Nigeria’s external intelligence skills. The SSS added that this restructuring would clarify roles, reduce overlap, and improve teamwork in the intelligence community.

Ahmed Satomi, the Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, said the three bills aim to strengthen funding, training, and research within Nigeria’s intelligence setup. He said the proposals are meant to boost efficiency and ensure security agencies are ready to tackle new threats.

Mr Satomi added that public hearings are key to the legislative process as they give stakeholders, experts, and citizens a chance to take part in lawmaking. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, described national security as essential for survival and growth.

He said modern threats like terrorism, cybercrime, kidnapping, and banditry need ongoing investment in intelligence, innovation, and technology solutions. He urged stakeholders to make helpful suggestions that would improve the proposed laws, stressing that everyone's participation is important for effective legislation.