Nigeria’s Defence Budget Raises Questions As Critical Equipment Funding Remains Low
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Security remains one of Nigeria’s most urgent national concerns, yet a closer look at the 2025 military budget reveals a troubling gap between approved defence spending and the actual release of funds, especially for critical equipment and aircraft maintenance needed to tackle insecurity across the country.
Data from Nigeria’s Open Treasury Portal of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation shows that while the Nigerian Army received an approved total expenditure of N4.52 trillion for 2025, only 25.94 per cent, amounting to N1.17 trillion, has been released so far.
The Nigerian Air Force, with an approved total expenditure of N1.25 trillion, has received just 19.04 per cent, translating to N238.32 billion.
Even more concerning is the allocation for critical military equipment.
The Nigerian Army’s equipment budget stands at N20.56 billion, but only 7.1 per cent-N1.46 billion, has been released.
This raises concerns about the military’s ability to procure modern weapons, armoured vehicles, communication systems and other operational tools required for effective combat readiness.
For the Nigerian Air Force, military aircraft maintenance has an approved budget of N34.71 billion, with only 13.98 per cent, or N4.85 billion, released.
Experts warn that inadequate maintenance funding could significantly affect air operations, surveillance missions, and rapid response capabilities, particularly in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and insurgency.
Security analysts argue that while budget approvals may appear impressive on paper, delayed or inadequate releases weaken operational efficiency and reduce the confidence of troops on the frontlines.
In a country battling multiple security threats, from insurgency in the North-East to banditry in the North-West and oil theft in the Niger Delta, timely funding of defence operations is not just a financial issue but a national survival strategy.
The implication is clear: without sufficient investment in equipment and maintenance, Nigeria’s military may struggle to sustain long-term security gains despite high headline budget figures.
There is a growing need for the Federal Government to prioritise full and timely releases of defence allocations, particularly for capital-intensive areas such as weapons procurement, troop welfare, intelligence gathering, and air asset maintenance.
Transparency and accountability must also remain central to defence spending to ensure that every naira released translates into stronger national security outcomes.
As Nigeria continues its battle against insecurity, the real test may not be how much is budgeted, but how much is effectively deployed where it matters most.
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