By Christiana Ekpa
The National Assembly has approved a whopping N1.504 trillion budget for the Nigerian Army in the 2026 fiscal year, pledging to ensure the prompt release of funds to boost operations nationwide.
The approval followed a joint budget defence session held on Monday between the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, in Abuja.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said members of the joint committee expressed satisfaction with the Army’s N1,504,251,069,722 budget proposal after a detailed presentation by the COAS.
“We had a joint session of the Senate and House Committees on Army on the 2026 budget. After listening to the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff, all members expressed satisfaction,” Yar’Adua stated.
He, however, noted that delays in the release of appropriated funds remain a major challenge affecting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Army.
“While we are satisfied with the proposal, the major issue is the delay in the release of funds, which is affecting all MDAs. But I want to assure the Chief of Army Staff that we are committed to collaborating with him to succeed.
The Army is critical to our national life, and we will support you with everything you need,” he added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Hon. Aminu Balele, commended the COAS, officers, and men of the Nigerian Army for their patriotism and resilience in combating insurgency and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
Balele assured that the House Committee would intensify efforts to ensure timely fund releases to enable the Army effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
“As we conclude the 2026 budget defence, I thank my Senate counterpart and colleagues for this joint national assignment. I also commend the Chief of Army Staff and his team for their dedication and service,” he said.
He further pledged that the committee would continue to discharge its oversight functions responsibly while pushing for improved budget implementation.
“In my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Army, I salute Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for his unwavering support.
We understand the issues surrounding budget releases, and we are ready to continue pushing to ensure funds are released on time so the Army can deliver on its mandate,” Balele affirmed.
