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By Tracy Moses
The National Assembly on Monday gave the green light to a N1.5 trillion budget proposal for the Nigerian Army for the 2026 fiscal year, vowing to ensure that funds are released promptly for effective implementation.
The approval followed a joint budget defence session in Abuja, where both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army received a detailed presentation from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on the planned expenditure.
Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, expressed satisfaction with the briefing but highlighted concerns over recurrent delays in fund releases, a challenge affecting all government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“We are ready to work closely with the Chief of Army Staff to ensure the Army succeeds. Our military is central to national security, and we will provide the necessary support,” Yar’Adua said.
House Committee on Army Chairman, Aminu Balele, praised the Chief of Army Staff and his personnel for their dedication, promising continuous legislative advocacy to guarantee the timely disbursement of appropriated funds.
“I commend my Senate colleagues for collaborating on this crucial national task.
We will keep pressing to ensure the Army receives its funds on time, enabling it to carry out its mandates effectively,” Balele added.
The N1.5 trillion allocation comes amid ongoing demands for increased funding for Nigeria’s security agencies, as the country continues to grapple with insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime.
For more than ten years, the Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-East, while also confronting armed banditry in the North-West and North-Central regions. Troops are additionally deployed for internal security operations nationwide.
Security analysts note that tackling modern security threats requires continuous investment in equipment, intelligence capabilities, troop welfare, logistics, and training. They warn that delays in fund releases hamper operations and undermine morale.
The National Assembly has come under public pressure not only to sanction larger security budgets but also to enhance oversight for transparency and accountability.
The 2026 Army budget is thus viewed as both a financial pledge and a political endorsement of ongoing military efforts. Lawmakers emphasize that the timely release of funds will be critical to translating the approved budget into operational effectiveness.