The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), in partnership with Transparency International Defense and Security Project, has organized a one-day media capacity engagement aimed at strengthening journalists’ skills in investigating and reporting corruption within Nigeria’s defense and security sector.
The event, themed “Enhancing Investigation and Reporting Capacity of the Media in Exposing Corruption in the Financial, Procurement, and Operational Activities of the Defence and Security Sector, was held in Port Harcourt with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
Speaking at the event, CISLAC’s Programme Manager for Defence and Security, Abubakar Jimoh, said the training seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and effective governance within the sector. He noted that corruption remains a major impediment to operational efficiency in the country’s defence institutions.
Jimoh disclosed that Nigeria currently ranks “D” on the Government Defence Integrity Index, indicating a very high risk of corruption. He emphasized the need for openness in non-classified procurement and personnel management processes, urging the media to demand accountability without compromising national security.
He explained that while certain classified operations must remain confidential, commercial ventures and public-funded projects within military formations should be open to public scrutiny.
Also speaking, Dr. Sophia Daniels, Deputy Director, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, said journalists must balance transparency with national security concerns.
She advised that while sensitive information such as arms procurement and military strategies should remain protected, the public deserves access to data that fosters accountability.
