In a decisive move to bolster national security, the Joint Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on Air Force have unanimously rejected the 2026 budget proposal for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Lawmakers declared the current draft “insufficient” to provide the firepower and operational readiness required to defeat insurgency and banditry.
The rejection followed a high stakes budget defense session where the leadership of both chambers led by Senator Osita Ngwu (Senate Committee Chairman) and Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum (House Committee Chairman) concluded that the executive’s proposed allocation would leave the nation vulnerable.
The Joint Committee noted that the NAF’s constitutional mandate to safeguard Nigerian airspace and provide air cover for ground troops is currently being stifled by “unrealistic” fiscal provisions.
To rectify this, the Committee has established a six-member technical team to negotiate directly with the Director-General of the Budget Office and the Federal Government. The goal is to secure a revised funding framework that reflects the high tech demands of modern aerial warfare.
“The Air Force requires substantial funding to prepare adequately against insurgency, banditry, and other forms of criminality,” stated Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum. “We will not accept a budget that does not enable the Air Force to function effectively.”
The Nigerian Air Force presented a stark contrast between what was provided in the draft budget and what is actually required to maintain security parity:
| Expenditure Category | Draft Budget Allocation | NAF Requested Amount |
| Personnel Emoluments | ₦229.89 Billion | ₦300.84 Billion |
| Overhead Costs | ₦66.57 Billion | ₦138.67 Billion |
| Capital Expenditure | ₦110.67 Billion | ₦230.67 Billion |
The NAF leadership emphasized that the requested increases are not merely administrative but are vital for:
- Procurement: Acquiring modern equipment and advanced weaponry.
- Maintenance: Upkeep of critical infrastructure and existing aircraft fleet.
- Welfare: Enhancing personnel morale and welfare in high conflict zones.
- Operational Readiness: Rapid response capabilities to evolving security threats.
The newly formed six-member committee is expected to fast track consultations with the Budget Office to facilitate a re-presentation of the NAF budget. The National Assembly has signaled that it will prioritize security funding above all else in the 2026 fiscal cycle to ensure the military is adequately equipped to protect Nigerian lives and property.
