February 12, 2026 — The Nigerian Senate has expressed deep-seated concerns regarding the sluggish pace of the 2025 budget implementation within the defense sector, warning that delays could undermine national security efforts.
During a recent oversight session, members of the Senate Committee on Defence highlighted a significant gap between the funds appropriated for the current fiscal year and the actual disbursement to various military branches and agencies.
The committee emphasized that the “slow-motion” release of funds is particularly troubling given the ongoing security challenges across the country. Legislators pointed to several critical areas currently being affected:
Operational Readiness: Delays in funding are reportedly hindering the military’s ability to sustain active operations against insurgency and banditry.
Infrastructure & Equipment: Major procurement projects and the maintenance of existing defense assets have slowed, potentially leaving gaps in the nation’s frontline capabilities.
Personnel Welfare: Concerns were raised regarding the timely fulfillment of commitments aimed at supporting the men and women in uniform.
The Senate’s alarm serves as a direct nudge to the executive branch and the Ministry of Finance. Committee members argued that the defense budget should be prioritized to ensure that security agencies are not left “hand-tied” by administrative bottlenecks.
“Security is the bedrock of any development,” one committee member noted. “We cannot afford to let red tape compromise the safety of our citizens or the efficiency of our Armed Forces.”
The Senate Committee has indicated it will summon relevant officials to provide a detailed account of the bottleneck. They are seeking a commitment to a revised timeline that ensures allocated funds reach the front lines without further delay.
