BREAKING: National Assembly Approves N1.50trn 2026 Budget for Nigerian Army

• The National Assembly has approved a N1.50 trillion allocation for the Nigerian Army in 2026, assuring the military of legislative backing to ensure prompt release of funds amid ongoing security challenges.

The National Assembly of Nigeria on Monday approved a N1.50 trillion budget for the Nigerian Army for the 2026 fiscal year, promising to work closely with the executive to ensure the timely release of funds for implementation.

The approval followed a joint budget defence session held in Abuja by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army. During the session, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, presented a detailed breakdown of the proposed expenditure for the coming year.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said lawmakers were satisfied with the Army’s presentation and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the military in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

According to Yar’Adua, members of both chambers expressed confidence in the proposed budget but acknowledged that delayed fund releases remain a recurring challenge affecting ministries, departments, and agencies nationwide.

He assured the Army leadership of legislative collaboration to ensure the success of its operations, describing the institution as critical to Nigeria’s stability and national survival.

Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Aminu Balele, commended the Chief of Army Staff and personnel for their service and sacrifice. He pledged that the House would push for the prompt disbursement of appropriated funds to enable the Army deliver effectively on its mandate.

The N1.50 trillion allocation comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central, as well as kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.

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For over a decade, the Nigerian Army has led counter-insurgency operations against extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, while also combating armed bandits and criminal networks in other troubled regions.

Security experts have consistently stressed that modern warfare demands sustained investment in equipment, intelligence gathering, troop welfare, logistics, and training. They warn that delays in the release of appropriated funds can disrupt procurement processes, operational planning, and overall morale among troops.

Lawmakers maintained that the 2026 budget approval represents not just a financial commitment, but also a strong political signal of support for ongoing military operations.

However, they emphasised that translating the allocation into measurable gains on the battlefield will depend largely on the timely release and effective utilisation of the funds.