Defence budget: Reps demand accountability, holistic security strategy for 2026

2026-02-10 - 13:09

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja The House of Representatives Committee on Defence has called for stricter accountability, performance-driven spending and a comprehensive security strategy in the consideration of the 2026 defence budget. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Babajimi Benson, made the call on Monday in Abuja at the commencement of the 2026 budget defence session with the Ministry of Defence and agencies under the committee’s jurisdiction. Benson described the annual budget defence exercise as a “sacred constitutional trust” and a critical stage in the appropriation process, noting that it provides a platform for rigorous scrutiny and mutual accountability in the interest of national security. “This statutory annual exercise remains a sacred constitutional trust bestowed upon us by the Nigerian people,” he said. “It is one of the most critical stages of the legislative appropriation process, as it provides the platform for rigorous scrutiny, constructive engagement and mutual accountability.” He acknowledged the efforts of the Armed Forces and security agencies in confronting insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality across the country, commending their sacrifices under difficult operational conditions. “We acknowledge the considerable gains made by our gallant Armed Forces and security agencies in degrading terrorist strongholds and confronting criminality across various theatres of operation,” Benson stated. However, the lawmaker noted that the persistence of security challenges highlighted the need for deeper institutional reforms, better coordination and smarter use of limited resources. “Increased allocations must be matched with measurable outcomes, value for money and strict adherence to principles of transparency and accountability,” he said, adding that “the era of input-focused budgeting without commensurate impact is no longer acceptable.” Benson stressed that while military operations remain essential, Nigeria’s contemporary security challenges require more than kinetic responses. He advocated a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach” that balances military action with non-kinetic interventions. “Sustainable peace requires a complementary non-kinetic strategy,” he said, citing poverty, youth unemployment, illiteracy, weak local governance and ideological radicalisation as key drivers of insecurity. According to him, the 2026 budget proposals should reflect investments in strategic communication, community peacebuilding, cyber defence, defence intelligence infrastructure, border security technology, police reforms and inter-agency data fusion centres. “The budget proposals before us must convincingly demonstrate a holistic balance between the sword and the ploughshare — between military might and the tools for sustainable peace,” Benson added. The committee chairman further assured defence institutions of legislative support, while reiterating that oversight of public funds would remain firm. “Appropriations approved by the National Assembly are public funds, and we shall continue to track their utilisation to ensure compliance with the Appropriation Act and extant financial regulations,” he said. “Accountability is not a punitive exercise; it is a shared obligation that strengthens public trust.” He reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th House of Representatives to strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture through local defence production, research and development, improved personnel welfare and modernisation of military capabilities. Benson urged all stakeholders to view the budget defence session as an opportunity to recalibrate Nigeria’s security approach and safeguard the nation’s future, assuring that the committee was ready for “robust, frank and productive engagements” throughout the exercise. Presenting the ministry’s budget performance, the Minister of Defence,General Christopher Musa was asked to take a bow after the Commitee adopted the report. “Having gone through your document before now, there will be no need reading through the report. The committee hereby adopts this report and adjourns the setting sine die,” Benson said.