KEY POINTS

• The Senate has warned that delays in implementing the defence budget could undermine Nigeria’s security.
• Lawmakers are concerned about slow execution of the 2025 budget and rollover of some funds into 2026.
• Defence Minister Christopher Musa says challenges remain but pledges improved performance with continued legislative support.

The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to ensure the full and prompt implementation of the country’s defence budget, cautioning that delays could weaken national security efforts.

The call was made during a budget defence session where the Minister of Defence presented the ministry’s 2025 performance report and proposed estimates for 2026.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, assured that lawmakers are ready to support the armed forces with the resources needed to effectively carry out their duties.

However, he raised concerns over the slow execution of the 2025 defence budget.

Concerns Over Slow Implementation

Lawan questioned the government’s readiness to tackle future security challenges if the current budget is not fully implemented. He stressed that incomplete execution of the 2025 budget could complicate planning and performance for 2026.

According to him, defence funding is too critical to be postponed, warning that delays could embolden insurgents and criminal groups. He emphasized that security agencies must receive timely funding to acquire the tools and weapons required to combat insecurity and protect citizens.

Describing the session as part of legislative oversight, Lawan explained that lawmakers were carefully reviewing how the ministry performed under the 2025 budget. He noted that some allocations were not fully utilized and had to be rolled over into the 2026 fiscal cycle, underscoring the need for improved efficiency and accountability.

Presenting the ministry’s proposal, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, admitted that security threats persist across the country. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that the ministry would perform better going forward.

He also credited the National Assembly’s support for progress recorded so far, stating that cooperation from lawmakers has been instrumental in the ministry’s achievements.