Kunle Fagbemi, a guest analyst on Channels Television has criticized the expanding role of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, arguing that allowing an advisor to lead statutory ministers violates constitutional provisions and undermines effective governance.
During the interview, Fagbemi addressed systemic problems in Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly focusing on the relationship between the NSA and government ministers.
“Currently, Mr. President reposes a lot of confidence in him. That is good. But unfortunately, it is counterproductive,” Fagbemi stated, referring to the President’s trust in the National Security Adviser.
He made his position clear on the constitutional limits of the NSA’s role: “For example, you cannot ask an advisor to lead a statutory minister.”
The analyst acknowledged that while the NSA’s role is mentioned in the constitution, he argued that proper protocol demands that “when it comes to international relationships, it is a minister of government in charge of that sector or subject matter that is supposed to provide the leadership.”
This critique came within the context of discussing potential challenges that former Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa might face in his new civilian capacity, particularly regarding adherence to constitutional provisions and established governance frameworks.
Fagbemi emphasized that the NSA’s current operational approach represents a departure from its legally defined mandate. “Currently the NSA is moving away from advisory and coordinating roles that are supposed to be behind the scene to implementing policies,” he explained.
He argued that this deviation from constitutional boundaries is creating unnecessary complications in Nigeria’s security management system. “If we allow the NSA, the National Security Advisor to stay at its legal limits, then some of the issues that we are having, we will not be having it,” the analyst asserted.
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