ONSA Faces Criticism for N31.9 Billion Building Budget Amidst Security Crisis
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has allocated N31.915 billion in the 2024 budget for new building constructions, just eight months after inaugurating a significant edifice.
This decision comes amid an escalating wave of killings and kidnappings nationwide, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where bandits are targeting residents.
Recalls that former President Muhammadu Buhari, who inaugurated the current ONSA and the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC) in March 2023, emphasized their role in addressing evolving security challenges, particularly terrorism.
However, critics, including civil society organizations (CSOs) and a security expert, argue that allocating N32 billion for new NSA buildings reflects a misplacement of priorities.
They suggest redirecting funds to equip and empower security agencies, especially the police, to effectively combat the deteriorating security situation.
The 2024 budget breakdown reveals that N4.5 billion is allocated for the construction of “ONSA House,” with an additional N25 billion for the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC) headquarters. Additionally, N2.415 billion is earmarked for the reconstruction of the NSA’s liaison office in Lagos.
Of the N65,002,523,046 allocated to ONSA in the 2024 budget, N34.9 billion is designated for capital expenditure, while N30 billion is allocated for recurrent expenditure. Within the recurrent expenditure, overhead costs amount to N18 billion, and personnel costs amount to N12 billion.
The budget details ONSA’s allocation of N1.4 billion for the Nigeria Police Force’s arms and ammunition, including protective gear such as bulletproof vests and helmets. Notably, N443,364,563.59 is allocated for protective gear, and N1 billion for arms and ammunition.
Other budget allocations for ONSA include N8.5 billion for subscription to professional bodies, N2.135 billion for security charges, N105 million for office rent, and N182.9 million for residential rent. Furthermore, N5.4 billion is set aside for security operations, with additional funds allocated for cleaning services, fueling of vehicles, generators, bank charges, and welfare packages. Critics argue that a reevaluation of these allocations is essential to address pressing security challenges effectively.
