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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Senate has urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt and full execution of Nigeria’s defence budget, warning that delays could weaken efforts to combat insecurity across the country, even as the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, admitted that security challenges persist nationwide but expressed optimism about improved performance.
The call was made during a budget defence session on Wednesday, where the minister presented the ministry’s 2025 performance report alongside its 2026 budget proposal to lawmakers.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, assured that the parliament is committed to providing the armed forces with the resources required to effectively carry out their operations.
“We are prepared on this side of government to ensure that our armed forces are given the resources they need,” Lawan said.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the 2025 budget execution, noting that key components had not been fully implemented.
“The exercise of implementation has been slow. How are we prepared to move forward if we are unable to implement the 2025 budget fully? How do we deal with 2026?” he asked.
Lawan stressed that defence funding is too critical to be delayed, warning that any setback could embolden criminals and insurgents.
“It is defence; you cannot postpone the implementation of the defence budget because that gives an edge to the enemy. We have to insist that our armed forces and other security agencies have their budgets implemented to secure the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
“They need the tools and weapons to fight. If we can provide those, we are committed to giving them the means to effectively combat insecurity,” he added.
He described the session as a crucial accountability process, explaining that lawmakers were reviewing the ministry’s 2025 budget performance, especially areas where spending fell short and was carried over into 2026.
“We need to review what has happened,” Lawan noted, emphasizing the Senate’s resolve to strengthen transparency and efficiency in defence expenditure.
Earlier, General Musa told the committee that despite ongoing security threats across the country, the ministry remains focused on improving outcomes.
“Challenges are still there, but we are hoping to do better,” he said.
He also commended the Senate Committee on Defence for its continued support, noting that the progress recorded so far would not have been possible without the cooperation of the National Assembly.