Senate raises the alarm over slow implementation of 2025 defence budget

The Senate Committee on Defence has expressed concern over the slow implementation of the 2025 defence budget, warning that funding delays could weaken ongoing efforts to address insecurity across the country.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmed Lawan, raised the issue on Wednesday during a budget defence session at the National Assembly, where the Minister of Defence presented the ministry’s 2025 performance report alongside the proposed 2026 budget.

Lawan assured the ministry of the Senate’s commitment to providing the Armed Forces with adequate resources but questioned the pace of budget execution.

“We are prepared on this side of government to ensure that our armed forces are given the resources they need,” he said, adding that the slow implementation of the current budget was troubling.

He cautioned that postponing defence spending could embolden criminal and insurgent groups, stressing that security funding should not be delayed.

“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,” Lawan said.

According to him, security agencies require the necessary tools and equipment to effectively confront threats.

The former Senate President noted that the session formed part of the National Assembly’s oversight responsibilities, explaining that the committee was reviewing the ministry’s 2025 budget performance. He observed that some components of the budget were not fully executed and had been rolled over into the 2026 proposal, underscoring the need for greater transparency and improved performance.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, acknowledged that security challenges remain despite ongoing military operations. He assured lawmakers that efforts were underway to enhance operational efficiency.

“Challenges are still there, but we are hoping to do better,” Musa said during his first appearance before the committee for budget defence.

The committee is expected to continue scrutinising the ministry’s proposal as part of the 2026 appropriation process.