Nigeria has allocated about N32.88 trillion to defence over the past 15 years, roughly 12.5% of the N262.834 trillion total national budgets within the period, yet insecurity continues to persist across the country.Anthony Joshua News
At official exchange rates over the years, the amount translates to approximately $44.64 billion.
Despite the heavy spending, many communities still face insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, communal clashes and oil-related violence, raising concerns about the effectiveness of defence investments.
Security data shows that over 100,000 Nigerians have been killed in violence-related incidents since 2012. Thousands more have been abducted, while millions have been displaced from their homes.
The crisis remains severe in 2026, with at least 1,091 deaths recorded within the first 41 days of the year alone. Currently, about 3.7 million Nigerians are displaced and living in nearly 3,900 camps nationwide. There are also growing fears over the return of suicide bombings, following recent deadly attacks in Maiduguri.
Amid these concerns, the National Assembly has intensified scrutiny of defence spending as lawmakers push to pass the 2026 Appropriation Bill before March 31.
The proposed N58.47 trillion budget includes about N5.41 trillion for defence and security, one of the largest allocations in the plan submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
Senate committees are currently reviewing the budget, engaging ministries and agencies in defence sessions to ensure accountability and efficiency. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has indicated that efforts are underway to pass the budget before the end of March.
Similarly, the House of Representatives is set to resume deliberations on the defence budget, with committees focusing on troop welfare, logistics, intelligence operations and procurement.Petroleum Sector Insights
Lawmakers insist that increased funding must translate into measurable improvements in national security.
Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, violent attacks in the North-Central, oil theft in the Niger Delta and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
Defence spending has risen significantly in recent years. In 2025, about N6.57 trillion was allocated to the sector, while N5.41 trillion has been proposed for 2026.
Out of this, the Ministry of Defence is expected to receive about N3.154 trillion to cover personnel costs, operations and capital projects.
However, despite the rising allocations, the key question remains whether increased spending is delivering real improvements in safety and security across the country.