The National Assembly has approved a ₦1.50 trillion budget proposal for the Nigerian Army for the 2026 fiscal year, with lawmakers promising to work toward the prompt release of funds to support military operations nationwide.
The approval followed a joint budget defence session in Abuja where the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Shaibu Waidi, presented details of the proposed expenditure before Senate and House Committees on Army.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said lawmakers were satisfied with the presentation and reiterated their commitment to supporting the military.
“After listening to the Chief of Army Staff’s presentation, members expressed satisfaction with the proposal. The major challenge remains delays in fund releases affecting ministries and agencies,” he said.
“We will continue to collaborate with the Army because its role is critical to national stability.”
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Honourable Aminu Balele, commended officers and soldiers for their sacrifices in protecting the country and assured them of legislative backing.
“We appreciate the patriotism and commitment of the Army leadership and personnel,” he said.
“We are ready to push for the timely release of appropriated funds so the Army can effectively carry out its constitutional duties.”
Balele also acknowledged the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, noting that the leadership of the House remains committed to strengthening defence funding.
The approval comes as Nigeria continues to confront insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across several regions. For more than a decade, troops have been heavily involved in counter-insurgency operations against groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-East, while also tackling armed banditry in the North-West and North-Central zones.
