In a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, has called for the full and timely implementation of the nation’s defence budget, warning that delays risk weakening the country’s fight against insecurity.
Speaking on Wednesday during a budget defence session at the National Assembly — where the Minister of Defence presented the ministry’s 2025 performance review and 2026 budget proposal — Senator Lawan assured that the Senate remains committed to ensuring the armed forces receive adequate funding to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
“We are prepared on this side of government to ensure that our armed forces are given the resources they need,” Lawan said.
However, he voiced concern over what he described as the slow pace of implementing the 2025 defence budget, questioning how the government intends to move forward if existing allocations are not fully executed.
“The exercise of implementation has been slow. How are we prepared to move forward if we are unable to implement the 2025 budget fully? How do we deal with 2026?” he asked.
Emphasising the urgency of defence spending, the committee chairman warned that security funding cannot be deferred without consequences.
“It is defence; you cannot postpone the implementation of the defence budget because that gives an edge to the enemy,” he stated. “We have to insist that our armed forces and other security agencies have their budgets implemented to secure the lives of Nigerians.”
He further stressed the need to equip security forces with the necessary tools and weapons to confront criminal groups and insurgents effectively.
“They need the tools and weapons to fight. If we can provide those, we are committed to giving them the means to effectively combat insecurity,” Lawan added.
Describing the session as a critical accountability exercise, the senator noted that lawmakers were closely examining the ministry’s 2025 budget performance, particularly as portions of the allocation were not fully utilised and subsequently rolled over into the 2026 proposal.
“We need to review what has happened,” he said, underscoring the Senate’s determination to strengthen oversight, improve performance, and ensure transparency in defence expenditure.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, acknowledged that Nigeria continues to grapple with significant security challenges as he presented the 2026 budget proposal — his first budget defence appearance before the committee.
“Challenges are still there, but we are hoping to do better,” the minister told lawmakers.
He credited the support of the Senate Committee on Defence and the broader National Assembly for the progress recorded so far, noting that the ministry’s achievements would not have been possible without legislative cooperation and backing.
The session highlights growing concern within the legislature over the pace of defence budget implementation, even as the country confronts persistent threats across multiple regions.
About the Author
