N’Assembly: ₦1.504trn Army Budget Inadequate for Security Emergency, Yet Approved
The National Assembly of Nigeria on Monday declared that the proposed 2026 budget for the Nigerian Army falls short of what is required to effectively prosecute the state of emergency on insecurity declared by the President.
Speaking at a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army, Chairman of the Senate Committee, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, acknowledged that while the allocation was commendable, it remained inadequate given the Federal Government’s renewed push to intensify security operations nationwide.
Despite the reservations, the joint committee approved ₦1.504 trillion as the Army’s budget for the 2026 fiscal year, as earlier submitted by the President in December 2025.
Yar’Adua disclosed that lawmakers were satisfied with the presentation by the Chief of Army Staff but expressed concern over persistent delays in the release of funds, a challenge he said affects multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“After listening to the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff, members expressed satisfaction. However, the major issue remains the delay in the release of funds,” he said.
The senator assured the Army of legislative backing, emphasising its critical role in safeguarding national stability.
He further noted that approximately 70 per cent of the 2025 budget had been rolled over into the 2026 fiscal year.
Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Aminu Balele, commended the Chief of Army Staff and personnel for their dedication in combating insurgency and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He pledged that the House would continue to push for the timely release of appropriated funds.
“In my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Army, I assure you that we are ready to push for the timely release of funds so you can deliver on your mandate,” Balele said.
He also acknowledged the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for prioritising security funding.
The approval underscores lawmakers’ recognition of mounting security challenges, even as concerns linger over whether the allocated resources are sufficient to meet the demands of the ongoing security emergency. Read More
