By Kelvin Ezih
An adjoined committee of the National Assembly has endorsed the N1.5 trillion proposed for the Nigerian Army in the 2026 budget, signaling its readiness to ensure that the funds are released without delay once approved.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), disclosed the committee’s position after a closed-door budget defence meeting held on Monday with the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu. He said lawmakers had examined the army’s submission in detail and were satisfied with the plans presented.
Yar’Adua acknowledged that slow fund disbursement remains a widespread challenge for government institutions but stressed that the committees intended to work closely with the army leadership to minimize setbacks. He reiterated that legislators view the military as vital to national security and will provide the necessary backing to strengthen its operations.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Aminu Balele (APC, Katsina), also commended the army’s leadership for its continued efforts to confront security threats across the country. He said the committee would continue pressing for prompt funding so the military can meet its constitutional responsibilities.
Balele expressed appreciation to the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, for supporting the committees’ work and pledged that oversight functions would be carried out with consistency and diligence.
