The National Assembly of Nigeria has approved a ₦1.504 trillion budget for the Nigerian Army for the 2026 fiscal year, while raising fresh concerns that delays in releasing allocated funds could undermine military effectiveness.
The approval came during a joint budget defence session with the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, where lawmakers endorsed the spending plan but warned that poor cash flow remains a persistent obstacle.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said the budget proposal met legislative expectations but stressed that timely implementation would be critical.
He described the plan as sound, noting however that delayed releases have historically weakened performance across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Yar’Adua assured the Army leadership that lawmakers would engage the executive to ensure funds are made available as scheduled, stressing that the military remains indispensable to national stability.
“The Army is critical to national survival,” he said.
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Aminu Balele, praised troops for their continued efforts in counter-insurgency and territorial defence operations.
He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to strengthening military capacity through consistent funding support.
Balele also commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for backing defence priorities and pledged that the committee would push for prompt release of appropriated funds.
Lawmakers say ensuring timely disbursement will be key to translating the record-high allocation into improved operational readiness and national security outcomes.
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