NASS Raises Concern Over Funding Delays As It Passes 1.504tr Army Budget

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Army has approved the proposed 1.504 trillion Naira 2026 budget for the Nigerian Army, while raising concerns over delays in fund releases.

Speaking during a joint session of the Senate and House committees on Army in Abuja, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said members were satisfied with the presentation by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu.

He warned that delayed fund disbursement remains a recurring problem affecting several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), pledging to work toward ensuring timely release of appropriated funds.

“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 have expressed satisfaction with it.

“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 would support you with everything that you need”.

Chairman House Committee on Army, Aminu Balele, praised the Nigerian Army for tackling insurgency and protecting the country, assuring continued advocacy for timely funding and effective budget oversight.

Balele also assured that the House Committee on Army would work closely with its Senate counterpart to enhance legislative support for the Nigerian Army.

“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.

“In my capacity as the chairman of the House Committee on Army, I wish to salute Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for his unwavering 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”.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji