The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, has called for the full and timely implementation of Nigeria’s defence budget, warning that delays could undermine national security efforts.
Lawan made the remarks during a budget defence session where the Minister of Defence presented the ministry’s 2025 performance report and 2026 budget proposal.
The Former senate president assured that the Senate remains committed to providing the armed forces with the resources needed to carry out their duties effectively.
However, he expressed concern over the slow implementation of the 2025 budget, questioning how the government intends to execute the 2026 proposal if the current budget is not fully implemented.
Lawan also stressed that defence spending cannot be postponed, noting that any delay in releasing funds could give criminal elements and insurgents an advantage.
The lawmaker described the session as part of the Senate’s oversight responsibility to ensure accountability, transparency and improved performance in defence spending, especially as some 2025 allocations were rolled over into 2026.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, acknowledged that security challenges persist across the country but assured lawmakers of the ministry’s resolve to improve performance.
The Minister credited the National Assembly’s support for progress recorded so far and expressed optimism about achieving better results with the proposed 2026 budget.
