NASS okays N1.504tr Nigerian Army budget

A joint committee of the National Assembly on Monday expressed satisfaction with the N1.504 trillion 2026 budget proposal of the Nigerian Army, pledging to ensure the timely release of appropriated funds for its implementation.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, made the disclosure after a joint budget defence session with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, in Abuja.

Yar’Adua explained that the joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army carefully considered the 2026 budget presentation by the Army chief and members unanimously expressed satisfaction.

“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,” he said.

Yar’Adua, however, identified delay in the release of funds as a recurring challenge affecting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“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,” he added.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Aminu Balele, commended the Chief of Army Staff and personnel for their patriotism and commitment in the fight against insurgency and the protection of the nation’s territorial integrity.

He assured that the House committee would continue to push for the timely release of funds to enable the Army discharge its constitutional responsibilities, while sustaining robust oversight.

“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,” he said.

In his remarks, Balele also acknowledged the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, assuring that the National Assembly would continue to press for prompt fund releases to enable the Army effectively carry out its mandate.