The House of Representatives has approved a bill seeking to establish a Research and Development Bureau within the Department of State Services (DSS) to strengthen intelligence research, technological innovation and the agency’s operational capacity.
The proposed legislation is designed to provide a legal framework for a dedicated research institution that will support the DSS in developing indigenous security technologies, advancing intelligence research and improving its response to emerging security threats.
Presenting the report of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, the committee’s chairman, Ahmed Satomi, said the bill would help bridge existing gaps in intelligence research while positioning the DSS to meet evolving global security demands through modern knowledge and innovation.
Under the bill, the bureau will be responsible for formulating intelligence research policies, conducting scientific and technological studies, and coordinating research activities related to intelligence operations. It will also assess the operational needs of the DSS and promote local innovation to reduce dependence on foreign security solutions.
The proposed bureau is expected to work closely with universities, research institutes and other public and private organisations to develop technologies and strategies that address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Its functions will include providing technical and scientific support to the DSS and other security agencies, carrying out research on emerging threats, organising specialised training programmes and sharing research findings that can improve intelligence operations.
The legislation also empowers the bureau to enter into partnerships and agreements with local and international institutions. However, any international intelligence-related collaboration will require consultation with the National Intelligence Agency.
In addition, the bill provides for the creation of specialised research centres focusing on areas such as cyber intelligence, emerging technologies, economic intelligence, protection of critical infrastructure, geospatial and environmental security, crime analysis and other contemporary security concerns.
The proposed law also recognises several existing and planned DSS training institutions, including the State Services Academy in Lagos, staff development centres in Kaduna and Bauchi, the Counter Terrorism Centre and Research and Development Centre in Bauchi, the Digital and Engineering Academy in Calabar, and the State Services Incubation Centre in Enugu.
The move comes as Nigeria continues to confront security threats such as terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, organised crime and attacks on critical infrastructure, with security experts increasingly advocating intelligence-driven policing and homegrown technological solutions.
Following its passage by the House, the bill will proceed to the Senate for consideration before being forwarded to the President for assent if approved by both chambers.
