Nigeria’s Senate has called for the full and timely implementation of the country’s defence budget, warning that delays could weaken efforts to tackle insecurity.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, raised the concern on Wednesday during a budget defence session. The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, presented the ministry’s 2025 performance review and its 2026 budget proposal.
Senator Lawan said slow implementation of the 2025 defence budget could affect security operations.
“The exercise of implementation has been slow. How do we move forward if we are unable to fully implement the 2025 budget?” he asked.
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He warned that postponing defence spending could give criminal groups and insurgents an advantage.
“You cannot postpone the implementation of the defence budget because that gives an edge to the enemy,” he said. “Our armed forces need the tools and weapons to fight.”
The Senate described the session as part of its oversight duty. Lawmakers are reviewing parts of the 2025 budget that were not fully executed and rolled over into 2026.
Senator Lawan said the review aims to improve transparency and ensure better performance in defence spending.
In response, General Musa acknowledged ongoing security challenges across the country. He said the military remains committed to improving results and noted that progress made so far was possible with the support of the National Assembly.
Nigeria continues to face security threats including insurgency, banditry and kidnapping in several regions.
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