The National Assembly on Monday, February 16, 2026, approved a budget proposal of N1.50tn for the Nigerian Army for the 2026 fiscal year, pledging legislative backing to ensure the timely release of funds for its implementation.
The approval followed a joint budget defence session held in Abuja by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army, where the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, presented details of the proposed expenditure for the coming year.
Speaking after the session, the 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 the discharge of 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.
“All members of the Joint Committee also agreed that the major issue is the delay in the release of funds, a matter which is affecting all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“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,” Yar’Adua said.
His counterpart in the House of Representatives, Aminu Balele, commended the Chief of Army Staff, officers and men of the Nigerian Army for what he described as their commitment and sacrifice in safeguarding the country.
He promised sustained legislative pressure to ensure that appropriated funds are released promptly to enable the Army to meet its operational obligations.
“As we close the 2026 budget defence, I want to thank my Senate counterpart, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, and his colleagues for joining hands with us for this national assignment. I commend the Chief of Army Staff and his team for their patriotism and commitment.
“In my capacity as the Chairman of the House Committee on Army, I wish to salute Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for his unwavering support. 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,” he said.
The N1.50tn allocation approval arrives amid ongoing demands to boost funding for Nigeria’s security framework, especially the armed forces, as the nation battles insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.
The Nigerian Army has led counter-insurgency efforts against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-East for over a decade. Troops also operate in the North-West and North-Central regions to tackle armed bandits and criminal gangs, while supporting internal security nationwide, a Punch report also highlighted.
Security experts and military leaders, the report notes, stress that asymmetric warfare demands steady investments in advanced gear, intelligence, soldier welfare, logistics, and training.
They warn that delays in releasing approved funds hinder procurement, disrupt planning, and erode morale.
In recent years, citizens and civil society have pressed the National Assembly to expand security budgets and enhance oversight for transparency and efficiency.
Lawmakers acknowledge their commitment to equipping the forces but highlight cash-backing shortfalls as a persistent issue across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
This 2026 allocation signals both financial backing and political endorsement for military campaigns.
With forces stretched across fronts and security vital to economic growth and unity, legislators emphasize that swift fund releases are essential to deliver battlefield results.
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