While the National Assembly gave green light to the Nigerian Army’s 2026 budget proposal, it identified non-release of funds a major challenge for all MDAs
The National Assembly has approved N1.504 trillion for the Nigerian Army for the 2026 fiscal year, pledging legislative backing for timely release of funds for budget execution.
The approval followed a joint budget defence session held in Abuja by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army, where the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, presented details of the proposed expenditure for the coming year
Speaking after the session, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua expressed that the committee was satisfied with the budget presentation.
He said “We had a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army on the 2026 budget and after listening to the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff, all members have expressed satisfaction with it.
“However, all members of the joint Committee also agreed that the major issue is the delay in the release of funds, a matter, which is affecting all other MDAs”.
“But I want to assure the Chief of Army Staff that we are committed to collaborating with him to succeed. The Army is so critical in our life as a nation and we would support you with everything that you need”.
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Also speaking, chairman of the House Committee on Army, Rep. Aminu Balele commended the COAS and his officers and men for their patriotism and commitment in the fight against insurgency and protection of the nation’s territorial integrity.
He promised that his committee will continue to push for the timely release of funds to enable the Army exercise its constitutional responsibilities.
Balele assures that the committee would continue its oversight function with utmost responsibility.
“As we close the 2026 budget defence, I want to thank my Senate counterpart, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua and his colleagues for joining hands with us for this national assignment. I commend the Chief of Army Staff and his team for their patriotism and commitment.
“In my capacity as the chairman of the House Committee on Army, I wish to salute Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for his unwavering support. We know the issues involved with budgets and we are ready to push and will continue to push for the timely release of funds, so that you can deliver on your mandates”.
