The joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army have unanimously approved the sum of N1.504 trillion as the 2026 budget proposal for the Nigerian Army.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday shortly after a joint budget defence session with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
According to him, members of the joint committee expressed satisfaction with the presentation made by the Army leadership. He, however, raised concerns over delays in the release of budgeted funds, noting that the challenge affects several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“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 expressed satisfaction with it,” Yar’Adua said.
“However, 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 will support you with everything that you need,” he added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Hon. Aminu Balele, commended the COAS, officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their patriotism and dedication in combating insurgency and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He assured that the committee would continue to advocate for the timely release of funds to enable the Army effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
“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,” Balele said.
He further pledged sustained legislative oversight and expressed appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for his support.
“We know the issues involved with budgets, and we are ready to push and will continue to push for the timely release of funds, so that you can deliver on your mandates,” he assured.
The approval is expected to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army as it continues to tackle insurgency, banditry and other security challenges across the country.
