Manny Ita
The Federal Government has earmarked a total of ₦13,124,747,575 for the procurement of arms, ammunition, and related security hardware in the 2026 Appropriation Bill. This allocation, which forms part of the broader ₦5.41 trillion defense and security sector budget, is spread across several key security institutions to bolster internal security and counter-insurgency operations. According to budget documents, the Nigerian Air Force is set to receive the largest portion of this specific fund, with ₦6.13 billion dedicated to aircraft platforms and munitions, including ₦1.79 billion specifically for the acquisition of 2,000 AR-M5T assault rifles.
The distribution of the ₦13.12 billion across other agencies includes ₦1.03 billion for the Nigeria Police Force to procure arms and protective gear, while the Department of State Services (DSS) is allocated ₦1 billion for similar equipment. The Ministry of Defence and Defence Headquarters are slated to receive ₦688.8 million and ₦1.46 billion respectively for arms purchase. Furthermore, the Nigerian Immigration Service has been allocated ₦702.7 million for webbing, ballistic protection, and ammunition, and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) will receive ₦253.5 million for automatic rifles and magazines intended for cadet training. Even the National Park Headquarters is included in the fiscal plan, with ₦68.8 million set aside for the procurement of 100 firearms to enhance ranger capabilities.
Despite the ₦13.12 billion figure, analysts have noted a significant downward trend in Nigeria’s arms spending compared to previous years. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that arms imports dropped from ₦520 billion in 2024 to approximately ₦49 billion in 2025. President Bola Tinubu, during the budget presentation, emphasized that while the 2026 budget focuses on “Renewed Resilience,” security spending would henceforth be tied to measurable outcomes and clear accountability. “We will invest in security with clear accountability for outcomes because security spending must deliver security results,” the President stated, reinforcing that the modernization of the Armed Forces remains a pillar of his administration’s plan to stabilize the national economy.
