A joint committee of the National Assembly has expressed satisfaction with the Nigerian Army’s N1.504 trillion 2026 budget proposal, pledging to ensure the prompt release of funds to support its implementation.
Gatekeepers News reports that the commitment was made on Monday in Abuja after a joint budget defence session between the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said lawmakers carefully reviewed the presentation and unanimously endorsed the proposal.
“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,” he said.
However, Yar’Adua noted that delays in fund releases remain a major challenge across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“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,” he added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Aminu Balele, praised the Army leadership and personnel for their dedication in combating insurgency and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He assured that the House committee would continue to push for timely fund releases, while maintaining strong legislative oversight.
“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.
Balele also acknowledged the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and reiterated the National Assembly’s resolve to ensure the Army receives prompt funding to effectively carry out its mandate.
