By Chukwudi George Ozalla
The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence at the National Assembly in Abuja to defend its proposed ₦3.15 trillion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, amid lawmakers’ demands for accountability, measurable outcomes, and strengthened collaboration among security agencies.
Leading the delegation, Minister of Defence General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.) outlined the priorities embedded in the budget, stressing operational readiness, troop welfare, equipment modernisation, logistics strengthening, intelligence enhancement, and the consolidation of gains against insurgency and other security threats. He said, “The 2026 estimates prioritise operational effectiveness across multiple theatres of operation. Our goal is to consolidate gains, improve readiness, and ensure that Nigeria’s security architecture is robust and responsive.”
Chairman of the Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, described the session as a constitutional obligation and a vital oversight tool. He said, “This annual statutory engagement is a sacred constitutional responsibility. Defence spending must translate into visible improvement in national security. Appropriations approved by the National Assembly are public funds and must yield measurable outcomes.” He added, “The committee will examine all allocations for efficiency, transparency, and alignment with strategic security objectives.”
The 2026 budget proposal allocates approximately ₦3.15 trillion to the Ministry of Defence. Personnel costs account for about ₦2.39 trillion, covering salaries, allowances, and related obligations across the Armed Forces. Capital expenditure is projected at roughly ₦464.47 billion, while overhead costs are estimated at ₦297.03 billion.
A breakdown of allocations shows that the Nigerian Army is to receive the largest share at about ₦1.50 trillion, followed by the Nigerian Navy at approximately ₦443.9 billion and the Nigerian Air Force at about ₦409.1 billion. Other institutions, including Defence Intelligence, the Nigerian Defence Academy, and specialised training and administrative formations, are funded within the overall ministry envelope.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, emphasised the importance of collaboration with internal security agencies. He said, “Our operations can clear and stabilise territories, but holding and maintaining security requires strengthened internal security institutions. If the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are adequately equipped and funded, they can effectively secure areas already stabilised by the Armed Forces.”
During the session, lawmakers sought clarifications on procurement processes, capital project implementation, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure prudent spending. Benson reiterated, “We will track implementation closely. Nigerians expect results commensurate with the scale of these allocations.”
The defence allocation forms part of the broader ₦58.18 trillion 2026 federal budget, with defence and security collectively accounting for about ₦5.41 trillion, making the sector one of the largest components of the fiscal plan. The committee is expected to conclude its review and submit recommendations to the House as deliberations on the 2026 Appropriation Bill move toward final passage.
