Reps Call For Increased Funding For Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)

The House of Representatives’ Committee on Defence has urged the Nigerian government to allocate more funding to the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Committee Chair Babajimi Benson emphasized the critical role DIA plays in the country’s security framework during an oversight visit to its headquarters in Abuja. He explained that DIA, which handles both domestic and international intelligence, is central to tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

Benson pointed out that there are three intelligence agencies in Nigeria: the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and DIA. While DSS focuses solely on domestic security and NIA handles foreign intelligence, DIA combines both functions, making it a unique and vital component of Nigeria’s security apparatus.

Despite its crucial role, Benson noted that DIA’s budget is significantly lower than those of DSS and NIA. He called for a substantial increase in funding to ensure that DIA receives adequate resources to continue its critical work. Benson also highlighted the improvements in national security, attributing much of the progress to the effective operations of DIA.

The committee plans to recommend this funding increase to the president, urging him to recognize DIA as an essential part of Nigeria’s security strategy.