The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, has urged the Federal Government to ensure the complete and timely execution of Nigeria’s defence budget, cautioning that any delay could weaken national security efforts.
He made the call on Wednesday during a budget defence session where the Minister of Defence presented the ministry’s 2025 performance report and the proposed 2026 budget before the committee.
Senator Lawan reaffirmed the Senate’s resolve to guarantee that the armed forces are adequately funded to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
“We are prepared on this side of government to ensure that our armed forces are given the resources they need,” he said. Despite this assurance, he expressed dissatisfaction with the pace at which the 2025 budget has been implemented.
“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 queried.
The lawmaker stressed that defence allocations are too critical to be delayed, warning that postponing funding could embolden insurgents and criminal groups.
“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.
“They need the tools and weapons to fight. If we can provide those, we are committed to giving them the means to effectively combat insecurity,” he added.
Describing the session as part of the National Assembly’s oversight function, Senator Lawan explained that the committee was carefully examining the ministry’s 2025 expenditure performance, especially as some portions of the budget were not fully executed and were instead carried forward into 2026.
“We need to review what has happened,” he said, emphasizing the Senate’s commitment to accountability, improved performance, and transparency in defence spending.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, acknowledged that Nigeria continues to face significant security challenges as he presented the 2026 budget proposal during his first defence session before the committee.
“Challenges are still there, but we are hoping to do better,” he said.
The minister also appreciated the committee’s backing, noting that the progress recorded so far would not have been possible without the cooperation and support of the National Assembly.
What you should know
Senator Ahmed Lawan has warned that delays in implementing Nigeria’s defence budget could undermine national security.
During a Senate session reviewing the 2025 budget performance and the 2026 proposal, he stressed that defence funding must not be postponed, as it could strengthen insurgents and criminal groups. The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, acknowledged ongoing security challenges but expressed optimism about improved performance.
Lawmakers are scrutinizing rolled-over funds to ensure transparency and full implementation of defence allocations.
