The Senate has called for the full and timely implementation of allocations to the defence sector, cautioning that any delay could weaken Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
The appeal was made during a budget defence session on Wednesday, where the Minister of Defence presented the ministry’s 2025 performance review and proposed 2026 budget before lawmakers.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, said the National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the armed forces are adequately funded to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
“We are ready on our part to ensure that the armed forces receive the resources they require,” Lawan said.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of implementation of the 2025 defence budget.
“The implementation has been slow. If we are unable to fully execute the 2025 budget, how do we effectively plan for 2026?” he queried.
Lawan stressed that defence funding cannot be treated like other sectors where delays may not have immediate consequences.
“You cannot postpone defence spending. Any delay gives an advantage to those threatening our security. We must insist that funds meant for our armed forces and security agencies are fully implemented to protect Nigerians,” he stated.
He added that providing weapons, equipment and logistics must go hand in hand with ensuring approved funds are released and properly utilised.
The committee chairman described the session as part of the Senate’s oversight responsibility, noting that lawmakers were reviewing areas of the 2025 budget that were not fully implemented and were carried forward into the 2026 proposal.
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“We need to examine what has happened and ensure better performance going forward,” he said, reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to accountability and transparency in defence spending.
In his presentation, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, acknowledged that security challenges remain but assured lawmakers of the ministry’s resolve to improve outcomes.
“Challenges are still there, but we are determined to do better,” Musa said.
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