Concerns have emerged over the funding of Nigeria’s security sector following revelations that only about seven percent of funds allocated for security equipment in the 2025 budget were disbursed.
Data from the Federal Government’s Open Treasury Portal indicates that both the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force faced significant funding shortfalls, particularly in the procurement of defence equipment, a development that has drawn criticism amid worsening insecurity across the country.
The concerns come against the backdrop of escalating violence, including coordinated attacks during the Easter period in Borno, Kaduna, Katsina and Benue states, which resulted in multiple fatalities, including five policemen, and left several people displaced.
On March 17, at least 25 people were killed in explosions at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, the Monday Market Roundabout and the Post Office in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Reports indicate that Boko Haram and ISWAP carried out a series of attacks on military formations in Borno State, leading to the deaths of both soldiers and civilians, including several senior military officers.
Further data from Beacon Security Intelligence Limited revealed that more than 10,000 people were killed across Nigeria between January and December 2025, with thousands more affected by violence and abductions. The organisation also reported over 2,350 deaths and 1,117 abductions in the first quarter of 2026.
Amid the deteriorating security situation, budget performance records show that of the N20.56 billion allocated to the Nigerian Army for security equipment, only N1.46 billion, representing 7.11 percent, was released as of December 31, 2025.
President Bola Tinubu, while signing the N68.32 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, extended the implementation of the 2025 budget to June 31, 2026, further raising concerns about funding challenges and the country’s rising debt profile, which stood at N159.28 trillion as of December 2025, alongside a recently approved 6 billion dollar loan by the Senate.
Out of the N4.52 trillion total expenditure proposed by the army for 2025, only N1.17 trillion, representing 25.94 percent, had been released by year end. Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force received N238.32 billion out of its N1.25 trillion budget, representing 19.04 percent.
Breakdowns of the allocation show that only N16.71 billion of the N336.76 billion earmarked for defence equipment procurement by the army was released, representing 4.96 percent. Funding for other critical areas such as construction, repairs, training, and fuel costs also recorded low disbursement rates, with some categories receiving no funding at all.
For the Air Force, aircraft maintenance recorded a release of N4.85 billion out of N34.71 billion, representing 13.98 percent. This contrasts sharply with N20.27 billion released for the presidential air fleet, representing 97.76 percent of its allocated budget.
Reactions have followed the revelations, with experts warning that inadequate funding has weakened the military’s ability to combat terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
Speaking during an interview, security expert Dr Kabiru Adamu highlighted the implications of the funding gaps, noting that they have contributed to the resurgence of non state armed groups.
“I think this is the first time I’m hearing percentages of the budgetary release according to the 2025 budget.
“Of course, if you go back to 2024, you will find out that it has an impact on what is happening at the moment. So, the consequences are scary. These groups were able to restructure themselves.
“They were able to come together again and they are now fighting us even more fiercely than they were doing before. That is very serious,” he said.
Adamu also called for reforms in the procurement process to ensure accountability and efficiency.
“I’m part of those people who believe that the war economy has created a conduit through which public funds are being siphoned. We must enhance accountability within the system so that these funds are used for the purposes for which they are used,” he said.
He further stressed the need for improved military equipment, communication systems, and forward looking procurement strategies to address evolving threats, including the use of drones by armed groups.
Also commenting, security consultant and former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, described the situation as troubling, noting that poor budget releases directly affect operational capacity.
“To make a budget is different from budget release. Performance of budget is based on release.
When you don’t release funds for the budget proposed, how do you expect performance from security agencies, more so when it borders on security which is our greatest challenge,” he said.
A public affairs analyst, Nguroje Samson, called for accountability and urged authorities to investigate the low disbursement.
“We can’t continue like this. How can the country budget billions of Naira to procure military equipment so that our officers can confront the insecurity in the land and a few persons will divert the money into their private pocket, while Nigerians keep dying in their numbers on a daily basis and nobody is punished?” he said.
He further urged citizens to demand action, warning that continued inaction could worsen the country’s security challenges.
