The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to defend the Ministry’s 2026 budget proposal.
The session, a critical component of the annual legislative budget review process, was attended by Directors of the Ministry and key stakeholders within the nation’s security architecture.
Prioritizing National Security and Personnel Welfare
During his presentation, General Musa outlined the Ministry’s strategic roadmap for the 2026 fiscal year, emphasizing that the budget is tailored to address the evolving security challenges facing the nation. He highlighted that the proposal focuses on:
Modernization of Hardware: Strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces through the procurement of advanced technology and equipment.
Personnel Welfare: Enhancing the living conditions and operational allowances for officers and men on the front lines.
Intelligence Infrastructure: Expanding domestic intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to preempt security threats.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
In his remarks, the Minister reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to the judicious use of allocated funds. “Our 2026 budget is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the safety of every Nigerian. We are ensuring that every Naira spent translates to a more secure and stable nation,” General Musa stated.
Supporting the Minister’s presentation, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, provided a technical breakdown of the Ministry’s previous fiscal performance, demonstrating a high level of transparency in the execution of the 2025 budget.
Legislative Review
The Chairman and members of the House Committee on Defence engaged the Ministry’s leadership in a robust dialogue, scrutinizing the line items to ensure alignment with national priorities. The committee praised the Ministry for its proactive approach to national security while urging a continued focus on transparency.
The budget defense is part of a series of engagements aimed at ensuring that the Ministry of Defence is adequately resourced to maintain Nigeria’s territorial integrity and internal security throughout the 2026 fiscal year.
