The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked the House of Representatives to remove provisions allowing international organisations to contribute funds to the proposed DSS Trust Fund, warning that such funding could threaten Nigeria’s national security.
The position was presented on Thursday during a public hearing organised by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence on bills aimed at strengthening the operations of the DSS through dedicated funding, training and research.
Represented by Emmanuel Duabry, the DSS supported the bill establishing the Trust Fund but called for key amendments, including the removal of provisions permitting grants, donations and endowments from foreign organisations.
The Service said foreign funding could expose sensitive intelligence operations to outside influence and compromise the agency’s independence.
“Allowing foreign funding for a security-related trust fund raises concerns about sovereignty, operational confidentiality and institutional independence,” Duabry said.
He noted that international donors may require reporting and disclosure obligations that could reveal sensitive information about intelligence operations, procurement activities and security strategies.
The DSS also warned that foreign funding could influence Nigeria’s security priorities, which may not align with the country’s challenges, such as terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
It, therefore, proposed that grants and donations to the Trust Fund should come only from local organisations.
Despite its concerns, the Service described the bill as an important step towards ensuring sustainable funding for intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism operations and emergency security responses.
The DSS also proposed a clearer funding formula for the Trust Fund instead of leaving annual allocations solely to the discretion of the National Assembly.
It further recommended changes to the governing board, including legal representation through a nominee of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The Service urged lawmakers to pass the bill, saying it would strengthen its operational capacity and improve national security.
The DSS also opposed a separate bill seeking to establish a Strategic Intelligence Management Institute, arguing that it would duplicate the functions of the existing National Institute for Security Studies.
