NASS Approves N1.504tr 2026 Budget for Nigerian Army

A joint committee of the National Assembly has expressed satisfaction with the Nigerian Army’s proposed N1.504 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, pledging to support its smooth implementation through timely release of funds.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, disclosed this on Monday after a joint budget defence session held in Abuja with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

According to Yar’Adua, members of both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army carefully reviewed the budget presentation and unanimously endorsed it.

“We had a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army on the 2026 budget. After listening to the presentation by the Chief of Army Staff, all members expressed satisfaction,” he said.

However, the senator identified delays in the release of appropriated funds as a persistent challenge affecting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Army.

“All members of the joint committee agreed that delayed fund releases remain a major issue, and this is affecting other MDAs as well,” he noted.

Yar’Adua assured the Army leadership of the legislature’s commitment to ensuring adequate support, describing the Army as critical to Nigeria’s stability and national security.

“We are committed to collaborating with you to succeed. The Army is vital 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 Chief of Army Staff and personnel for their dedication, patriotism, and resilience in combating insurgency and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.

He reaffirmed the House committee’s resolve to advocate for prompt fund releases to enable the Army effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities, while maintaining strong oversight functions.

“As we conclude the 2026 budget defence, I thank my Senate counterpart, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, and his colleagues for partnering with us on this important national assignment. I also commend the Chief of Army Staff and his team for their unwavering commitment,” Balele stated.

He further acknowledged the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, assuring that the National Assembly would continue to press for the timely disbursement of funds to strengthen the Army’s operational capacity.