By Doris Obinna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has decried the marginalisation of women in defence and security sector, urging the stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability within the sector.
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of a one-day workshop held in Nasarawa State with theme: “Reforming the Nigerian Defence and Security Sector through Strengthening Mechanisms Fundamental for Effective Oversight Functions”.
The group further expressed concern over persistent violent conflicts arising from traditional and non-traditional security threats. While calling on the Nigerian defence and other securities agencies to reverse the worrisome security challenge.
The workshop was organized in collaboration with Transparency International-Defence and Security Project (TI-DSP) with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherland.
The communique reads in part: “The lack of planning in the budgeting process and implementation contributes to weak civilian control over the defence and security sector.
“Combating corruption requires addressing welfare concerns and improving the economy to provide security and stability.
“Again, challenges to transparency and accountability in the defence and security sector include the lack of a robust legal framework, limited awareness and capacity, political interference, and resistance to change, among others.
The group stated that collaborative effort was required to combat corruption in the security sector.