2026 budget proposal for Army not enough to fund emergency rule - NASS
The National Assembly on Monday declared that the 2026 budget proposal for the Nigerian Army falls short of what is required to prosecute the state of emergency declared on the
The National Assembly on Monday declared that the 2026 budget proposal for the Nigerian Army falls short of what is required to prosecute the state of emergency declared on the sector by the President.
Speaking at a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army, Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said although the allocation was commendable, it remained insufficient in view of the Federal Government’s stance on intensifying the fight against insecurity.
Despite the reservations, the joint committee approved the sum of N1.504 trillion as the 2026 budget for the Nigerian Army, as submitted by the President in December 2025.
The lawmakers assured the Army that appropriated funds would be released to facilitate effective implementation of the budget.
They also noted that about 70 per cent of the 2025 budget had been rolled over to the 2026 fiscal year.
He said, "We had a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army on the 2026 budget and after listening to the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff, all members have expressed satisfaction with it.
"However, all members of the joint Committee also agreed that the major issue is the delay in the release of funds, a matter, which is affecting all other MDAs".
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"But I want to assure the Chief of Army Staff that we are committed to collaborating with him to succeed. The Army is so critical in our life as a nation and we would support you with everything that you need".
Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Aminu Balele commended the COAS and his officers and men for their patriotism and commitment in the fight against insurgency and protection of the nations territorial integrity.
Balele said his committee will continue to push for the timely release of funds to enable the Army exercise its constitutional responsibilities and assures that the committee would continue its oversight function with utmost responsibility.
"As we close the 2026 budget defence, I want to thank my Senate counterpart, Senator Abdulaziz Yar'Adua and his colleagues for joining hands with us for this national assignment. I commend the Chief of Army Staff and his team for their patriotism and commitment.
"In my capacity as the chairman of the House Committee on Army, I wish to salute Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for his unwavering support. We know the issues involved with budgets and we are ready to push and will continue to push for the timely release of funds, so that you can deliver on your mandates."
