Manny Ita –
The National Assembly has approved a ₦1.5 trillion budget for the Nigerian Army for the 2026 fiscal year as part of efforts to strengthen military operations against escalating insecurity across the country. Lawmakers said the allocation is intended to enhance operational capacity, procure modern equipment, and improve troop welfare amid ongoing counterinsurgency and internal security missions.
During plenary, legislators emphasized the urgent need to bolster the army’s capabilities in the face of persistent threats, including insurgency, banditry, and communal violence in several regions. A ranking member noted that the appropriation reflects the gravity of the security situation and the necessity of sustained military intervention. “The safety of citizens and territorial integrity of the nation must remain paramount, and this funding will support our troops on the front lines,” the lawmaker stated.
Budget documents indicate that a substantial portion of the funds will go toward procurement of weapons systems, logistics, intelligence support, and infrastructure upgrades, while provisions were also made for personnel costs, training, and medical services for wounded soldiers. Defence officials had earlier briefed lawmakers on the operational challenges facing the army, citing the need for advanced surveillance assets and mobility platforms.
Security analysts say the approval signals a continued reliance on military solutions to address internal security crises, while also underscoring the financial burden of prolonged deployments across multiple theatres of operation. They noted that the effectiveness of the funding would depend on transparency, efficient utilisation, and coordination with other security agencies.
Civil society groups have called for robust legislative oversight to ensure accountability in the spending of the large allocation. “Public funds of this magnitude must translate into measurable improvements in security and not merely increased expenditure,” a policy advocate said.
The army is expected to deploy the approved resources toward ongoing operations nationwide, with authorities expressing hope that enhanced funding will lead to improved stability and reduced violence in affected communities.
