By George Ozalla
The Nigerian Senate has intensified its scrutiny of the proposed ₦2.268 trillion budget for the Nigerian Army, stressing the need for transparency and accountability as soldiers continue to battle insurgents, bandits, and other security threats across the country. The figure represents a significant increase from the ₦1.504 trillion allocation recommended by the Ministry of Finance, leaving a funding gap of over ₦764 billion that has drawn close attention from lawmakers.
During deliberations before the Senate Committee on Appropriation, chaired by Senator Solomon Adeola, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, presented a detailed justification for the Army’s request. He explained that the increased allocation is necessary to meet operational realities on the ground, including the recruitment of approximately 28,000 additional personnel and the acquisition of modern equipment to enhance combat effectiveness. Yar’Adua urged lawmakers to consider the original projections submitted by the Army rather than relying solely on potential supplementary budget interventions, highlighting the urgency of ensuring troops are adequately funded and equipped.
A breakdown of the proposal showed the Army requested ₦902.58 billion for capital expenditure, while only ₦167.77 billion had been allocated, leaving a shortfall of about ₦734.81 billion. Senators noted that this gap could hinder the Army’s ability to maintain operational readiness, particularly in high-intensity conflict zones. Lawmakers also observed that personnel deployment under the 2025 budget achieved 94.47 per cent of planned targets, yet releases for overheads stood at only 24.79 per cent, a limitation that significantly constrained frontline operations.
The Senate underscored that Nigeria’s security challenges demand proactive and prompt funding, especially following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a security emergency. Committees recommended that at least 30 per cent of capital releases be front-loaded to enable immediate procurement and deployment of critical resources. Lawmakers expressed concern over discrepancies in personnel cost figures and demanded a fully itemised breakdown of the proposed increase before granting approval.
Beyond funding, senators stressed the welfare of military personnel, emphasising the importance of timely payment of field allowances, feeding, and other logistics that directly impact morale and combat efficiency. They warned that without proper oversight, increased funding alone may not translate into improved security outcomes. The Senate pledged rigorous monitoring and collaboration between committees to ensure that funds allocated are deployed effectively, reinforcing the principle that accountability is as critical as the size of the budget itself.
The debate reflects the growing recognition within the National Assembly that confronting Nigeria’s complex security challenges requires not only financial commitment but also strategic management, operational readiness, and robust oversight mechanisms to safeguard both troops and public trust.
