The National Assembly has approved a ₦1.5 trillion allocation for the Nigerian Army in the 2026 fiscal year, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the prompt release of funds to support military operations nationwide.
The approval followed a joint budget defence session in Abuja involving the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army. During the session, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, presented a detailed breakdown of the proposed expenditure for the coming year.
Speaking after the meeting, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said lawmakers were satisfied with the Army’s presentation and pledged legislative backing to enhance operational effectiveness.
“We had a joint session of the Senate and House Committees on Army on the 2026 budget. After listening to the Chief of Army Staff’s presentation, members expressed satisfaction with the proposal,” Yar’Adua stated.
He acknowledged that delayed fund releases remain a recurring challenge affecting Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the armed forces.
“The major issue remains the delay in the release of funds. We are committed to collaborating closely with the Army leadership to ensure success. The Army plays a critical role in our national life, and we will support it with everything necessary to carry out its constitutional mandate,” he added.
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Aminu Balele, commended the Chief of Army Staff and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
“As we conclude the 2026 budget defence, I commend my Senate counterpart and colleagues for this national assignment. I also salute the Chief of Army Staff and his team for their patriotism and commitment,” Balele said.
He further assured the military leadership of the House’s determination to push for timely disbursement of approved funds to prevent disruptions to operations.
The ₦1.5 trillion allocation comes amid renewed calls for enhanced investment in Nigeria’s security framework, as the country continues to confront insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
For more than a decade, the Nigerian Army has led counter-insurgency efforts against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-East. Troops are also deployed across the North-West and North-Central regions to tackle banditry and criminal networks, while maintaining internal security operations in other parts of the country.
Security experts have consistently emphasised the need for sustained funding to address the evolving dynamics of asymmetric warfare. Investments in modern equipment, intelligence capabilities, logistics, troop welfare and training are considered vital to strengthening operational outcomes.
Analysts note that delays in the release of appropriated funds can hamper procurement processes, disrupt planning cycles and affect troop morale. Lawmakers, however, expressed confidence that improved coordination between the legislature and the executive would ensure the effective implementation of the 2026 Army budget.
With security remaining a cornerstone of economic stability and national cohesion, the Assembly’s pledge to guarantee timely funding is expected to play a significant role in translating the approved allocation into measurable results on the ground.
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