2025 budget implementation: Concerns over alleged 7% disbursement for security equipment
Nigerian Armed Forces Underfunded Amid Escalating Security Crisis
As security concerns mount across Nigeria, recent disclosures from the Federal Government’s Open Treasury Portal have revealed significant underfunding within the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force, particularly in their efforts to acquire essential defense equipment.
During the Easter period, coordinated violent attacks in Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, and Benue states resulted in numerous fatalities, including the deaths of five police officers and the displacement of many residents. On March 17, at least 25 individuals died in a series of explosions near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and other locations within Maiduguri, Borno State.
Reports indicate that Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have executed numerous lethal assaults on military positions in Borno, leading to the loss of both civilian and military lives. Among those who died were senior military leaders, including Major U. I. Mairiga from the Mayenti base and Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade.
A report by Beacon Security Intelligence Limited (BSIL) indicates that over 10,000 people were killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone. According to BSIL’s analysis, 9,514 deaths occurred between January and October of that year. The organization also reported that at least 404 Nigerians were killed and 363 abducted in November 2025, with December figures showing further casualties in the northern regions—accounting for 91.1% of all recorded fatalities.
Budgetary performance data for 2025 reveal troubling disparities. Of the N20.56 billion allocated for security equipment by the Nigerian Army, only N1.46 billion—approximately 7.1%—was disbursed by December 31, 2025. President Bola Tinubu, while signing the N68.32 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, extended the implementation of the 2025 budget, raising concerns over persistent funding difficulties and Nigeria’s growing debt, which stood at N159.28 trillion in December 2025, along with an approved loan of $6 billion.
From the army’s proposed total expenditure of N4.52 trillion for 2025, only N1.17 trillion (25.94%) was released by year’s end. The Air Force, with a budget of N1.25 trillion, received only N238.32 billion or 19.04%. Additionally, out of the N336.76 billion earmarked for equipment acquisition, a mere N16.71 billion was disbursed, equating to just 4.96%.
Further analysis shows minimal funds allocated for critical operational areas: N2 billion was released for local training from a budget of N18.56 billion (10.78%), while only N2 billion was designated for international training from N29.80 billion (6.71%). Strikingly, no funds were assigned for various key operational expenses, including transport equipment fuel costs or the construction of military barracks.
The records indicate that the Nigerian Air Force experienced similar funding challenges. Only N4.85 billion or 13.98% of the N34.71 billion allocated for aircraft maintenance was disbursed, contrasting sharply with the N20.27 billion released for the presidential air fleet, which saw a 97.76% execution rate.
As the security situation in Nigeria deteriorates, experts warn of dire consequences unless immediate action is taken to address funding gaps. Dr. Kabiru Adamu, CEO of BSIL, emphasized that inadequate funding has severely hindered military capabilities against terrorism and organized crime, particularly in the northern states. He criticized the procurement process for lacking transparency and called for significant reforms to ensure accountability within military funding.
Adamu urged that in addition to timely funding for military needs, there must be greater oversight by the National Assembly in budgeting and procurement processes. He highlighted the necessity for secure communication systems and anticipatory procurement strategies to effectively combat evolving threats.
Former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, echoed these sentiments, urging the government to prioritize security funding. He noted the alarming advantage non-state actors currently hold due to insufficient investment in military resources.
Public affairs analyst Nguroje Samson called for accountability regarding the low release of security funds, urging investigations into those responsible for the inadequate allocation of the 2025 security budget.
As Nigeria’s security landscape continues to deteriorate, the call for reform and strategic funding of military operations is becoming increasingly urgent.
