House of Representatives to Increase Ministry of Defence Budget for 2025 to Address Insecurity
The House of Representatives Committee on Defence has announced plans to increase the ₦50 billion allocated to the Ministry of Defence in the 2025 budget to bolster efforts in combating insecurity across the country,Daily Trust reports.
The decision followed a motion by Philip Agbese, a committee member, who commended the military for their dedication. The announcement came during the budget defense session, where Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, highlighted the inadequacy of the current budget proposal.
Minister Appeals for More Funds
Matawalle expressed concerns over the insufficient funding, emphasizing the challenges it posed to military operations and personnel welfare. He appealed for an upward review of the budget and proposed an additional ₦20 billion specifically for addressing outstanding group life insurance payments for families of deceased military personnel.
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“We face challenges with inadequate budgetary provisions, resulting in accumulated debts on services and staff entitlements,” Matawalle said.
He added, “For instance, in 2024, many barracks had zero allocation. How can we expect military personnel to perform optimally under such conditions? This year’s ₦50 billion allocation is insufficient, with an ₦18 billion shortfall from last year. With more funds, we could provide essential equipment like Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to effectively combat banditry. For instance, deploying 50 APCs in Katsina alone could eliminate banditry within two months.”
Despite limited resources, Matawalle assured the committee that the ministry and military personnel remain committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Committee’s Commitment to Defence Funding
Committee Chairman Rep. Babajimi Benson stressed the critical role of the defence sector in safeguarding the nation’s security and stability.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria have demonstrated exceptional professionalism and achieved significant progress in countering insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges,” Benson said.
He reiterated the committee’s commitment to increasing the ministry’s budget to address pressing challenges and support the military’s ongoing efforts.
The budget review reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the defence sector’s importance and its resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
