The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, has called for the full and timely implementation of Nigeria’s defence budget, warning that delays could weaken the country’s security operations.
Speaking during a budget defence session on Wednesday, where the Minister of Defence presented the ministry’s 2025 performance report and 2026 budget proposal, Lawan assured that the Senate remains committed to ensuring adequate funding for the armed forces.
“We are prepared on this side of government to ensure that our armed forces are given the resources they need,” he said.
However, the senator expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of implementation of the 2025 defence budget.
“The exercise of implementation has been slow. How are we prepared to move forward if we are unable to implement the 2025 budget fully? How do we deal with 2026?” he asked.
Lawan stressed that defence spending cannot be delayed, noting that postponements in funding could give insurgents and criminal elements an operational advantage.
“It is defence; you cannot postpone the implementation of the defence budget because that gives an edge to the enemy. We have to insist that our armed forces and other security agencies have their budgets implemented to secure the lives of Nigerians,” he stated.
He added that security agencies require adequate equipment and weapons to effectively tackle insecurity across the country.
Describing the session as an accountability exercise, Lawan said lawmakers were reviewing the ministry’s 2025 budget performance, particularly as some components were not fully executed and had been rolled over into the 2026 fiscal year.
“We need to review what has happened,” he said, underscoring the Senate’s resolve to ensure greater transparency and improved performance in defence spending.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, acknowledged ongoing security challenges while presenting the 2026 budget proposal during his first appearance before the committee for budget defence.
“Challenges are still there, but we are hoping to do better,” the minister said.
He also credited the National Assembly for its continued support, noting that the progress recorded by the ministry would not have been possible without the cooperation of lawmakers.
