CISLAC, TI-Nigeria: Corruption at the Heart of Nigeria’s Rising Insecurity and Economic Struggles

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) have raised alarm over the growing insecurity and worsening economic conditions in the country, linking both directly to deep-rooted corruption and poor financial management in the defence and security sectors.

Speaking at a regional press conference held in Kano, Executive Director of CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said Nigeria’s inability to curb terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes is largely due to the misuse of funds and abuse of power within security institutions.

Presenting a policy brief titled “Defence Sector: Persistent Corruption Risk Amidst Escalating Security Threats,” Rafsanjani noted that corruption in the defence sector is enabling a cycle of violence, mistrust, and lawlessness.

“The ongoing fraud, financial mismanagement and abuse of power within Nigeria’s security sector have made it harder to fight insecurity,” he said. “This has led to increased violence, kidnappings, and even the rise of self-defence groups across communities.”

According to CISLAC, in 2021 alone, Nigeria was believed to house about 70% of West Africa’s illegal arms and weapons — further fueling insecurity and criminal activities nationwide.

The group also criticized the Ministry of Defence for limiting transparency and refusing timely cooperation with external auditors, which undermines proper oversight and accountability.

To tackle these challenges, CISLAC and TI-Nigeria recommended the following:

Amend the Audit Act to empower the Office of the Auditor-General with stronger oversight tools.

Push for transparent defence budgets and public disclosure of military expenditures, contracts, income, and donations.

Enforce international standards for information sharing, especially concerning national security strategy and spending.

Increase civil society and media participation in national security discussions to ensure policies reflect the people’s interests.

Strengthen laws that ensure the public’s right to information (RTI) in the security and defence sectors.

Rafsanjani emphasized that unless these reforms are adopted, Nigeria will continue to face the double threat of insecurity and economic hardship — both tied to unchecked corruption.

“We need transparency, accountability, and a complete rethink of how public funds, especially in defence, are being managed,” he added.