N’Assembly okays N1.50trn 2026 budget for Nigerian Army

In a major move to bolster national security, the National Assembly of Nigeria has approved a N1.50 trillion budget for the Nigerian Army for the 2026 fiscal year. Lawmakers also pledged their support to ensure the timely release of funds, signaling a commitment to effective implementation.

The approval came after a joint budget defense session in Abuja, convened by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army. During the session, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, presented a detailed breakdown of the proposed expenditure for the upcoming year, highlighting priorities and planned initiatives.

Speaking after the session, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said lawmakers were satisfied with the presentation and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Army in fulfilling its constitutional duties.

“We had a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army on the 2026 budget and, after listening to the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff, all members have expressed satisfaction with it,” Yar’Adua said.

He added that delays in fund releases, which affect all ministries, departments, and agencies, remain a major concern.

“I want to assure the Chief of Army Staff that we are committed to collaborating with him to succeed. The Army is so critical in our life as a nation and we would support you with everything you need,” he said.

His counterpart in the House of Representatives, Aminu Balele, also commended the Chief of Army Staff and officers for their dedication and sacrifice, promising continued legislative pressure to ensure prompt disbursement of appropriated funds.

“As we close the 2026 budget defence, I commend the Chief of Army Staff and his team for their patriotism. We are ready to push for the timely release of funds so that you can deliver on your mandates,” Balele said.

The N1.50 trillion allocation comes amid growing calls for increased funding of Nigeria’s security architecture, as the country continues to battle insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

For over a decade, the Nigerian Army has led counter-insurgency operations against groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-East, while troops in the North-West and North-Central regions combat armed bandits and criminal networks.

Security analysts note that modern warfare requires sustained investment in equipment, intelligence, troop welfare, logistics, and training. Delays in releasing appropriated funds can disrupt procurement, operational planning, and morale.

The legislature has repeatedly pledged to provide the armed forces with necessary resources, though actual cash backing remains a challenge across ministries, departments, and agencies.

The 2026 budget approval is seen as both a financial commitment and a political signal of support for ongoing military operations. Lawmakers emphasised that timely fund release will be critical to translating the approved allocation into measurable results on the battlefield.