N’Assembly approves army’s N1.50tn 2026 budget
The National Assembly on Monday approved a budget of N1.50 trillion for the Nigerian Army for the 2026 fiscal year, pledging legislative backing to ensure the timely release of funds for implementation. The approval followed a joint budget defence session in Abuja by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army, during which the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, presented the proposed expenditure details. Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said lawmakers were satisfied with the presentation and committed to supporting the Army in fulfilling its constitutional duties. “All members of the Joint Committee agreed that delays in fund release affect all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. We assure the Chief of Army Staff of our commitment to collaborate fully. The Army is critical to our nation, and we will support you in every way,” Yar’Adua stated. House Committee on Army Chairman, Aminu Balele, commended the Chief of Army Staff and troops for their commitment and sacrifice, promising sustained legislative pressure to ensure funds are released promptly for operational needs. The N1.50tn allocation comes amid ongoing calls for increased funding of Nigeria’s security sector, as the country continues to face insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. For over a decade, the Nigerian Army has led counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-East, while also engaging armed bandits in the North-West and North-Central regions, and maintaining internal security nationwide. Security experts emphasise that modern asymmetric warfare requires sustained investment in equipment, intelligence, troop welfare, logistics, and training, warning that delays in fund release can disrupt operations and morale. The 2026 allocation is thus both a financial commitment and a political signal of support, with lawmakers stressing that prompt fund release is critical to translating the approved budget into tangible gains on the battlefield.
Arun1
Feb 16, 2026
