…as lawmakers pledge swift release of funds to strengthen national security operations
By Gloria Ikibah
The National Assembly has thrown its weight behind a proposed N1.504 trillion allocation for the Nigerian Army in the 2026 fiscal year, signalling strong legislative support for the country’s security framework. 
During a joint session on Monday in Abuja, members of the Senate and House Committees on Army reviewed the spending plan and expressed satisfaction with the scale and structure of the proposal. The meeting formed part of the formal budget defence process for the upcoming year.
Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, confirmed that lawmakers were content with the presentation and emphasised their commitment to ensuring that approved funds are released without delay.
He underscored the importance of timely financing to enable the Army to effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
The budget defence session was held with the Chief of Army Staff, Ltd. General Waidi Shaibu, who outlined the service’s operational priorities and financial requirements for the year ahead.
Lawmakers maintained that efficient funding remains central to strengthening ongoing military operations and enhancing national security across the country.
He said: “We had a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army on the 2026 budget and after listening to the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff, all members have expressed satisfaction with it.
“However, all members of the joint Committee also agreed that the major issue is the delay in the release of funds, a matter, which is affecting all other MDAs.
“But I want to assure the Chief of Army Staff that we are committed to collaborating with him to succeed. The Army is so critical in our life as a nation and we would support you with everything that you need”.
Also lending his voice to the discussions, Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Rep. Aminu Balele, praised the Chief of Army Staff and personnel of the Nigerian Army for their dedication and unwavering commitment to tackling insurgency and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
He reaffirmed the committee’s resolve to advocate for the prompt disbursement of allocated funds, stressing that adequate and timely financing remains essential for the Army to effectively discharge its constitutional duties.
Rep. Balele further indicated that the House Committee will sustain its oversight responsibilities with diligence, ensuring accountability and transparency in the implementation of the Army’s budget.
“As we close the 2026 budget defence, I want to thank my Senate counterpart, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua and his colleagues for joining hands with us for this national assignment. I commend the Chief of Army Staff and his team for their patriotism and commitment.
“In my capacity as the chairman of the House Committee on Army, I wish to salute Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for his unwavering support. We know the issues involved with budgets and we are ready to push and will continue to push for the timely release of funds, so that you can deliver on your mandates”, he said.
