The national assembly on Monday approved a N1.50 trillion budget for the Nigerian army for the 2026 fiscal year, pledging support to ensure timely release of funds for its implementation.
The approval followed a joint budget defence session by senate and House of representatives committees on Army, where Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff, presented details of the proposed expenditure.
Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, chairman of the senate committee on army, said lawmakers were satisfied with the presentation and committed to collaborating with the Army to address delays in fund release.
According to Yar’Adua, “The army is so critical in our life as a nation and we would support you with everything you need.”
Aminu Balele, House committee on army chairman commended officers for their dedication to national security and promised sustained legislative pressure to ensure appropriated funds are released promptly.
He said, “We know the issues involved with budgets and we are ready to push and will continue to push for the timely release of funds, so that you can deliver on your mandates.”
The allocation comes amid growing calls for increased funding of Nigeria’s security agencies as the country continues to confront insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
With troops deployed across multiple regions, lawmakers say prompt fund release will be essential to translate the approved budget into effective security operations nationwide.
