By Kingsley Omonobi
The Federal Government has earmarked a total of N3.154 trillion for the Ministry of Defence in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, reflecting the continued prioritisation of national security and the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.
A breakdown of the allocation shows that while the Defence Headquarters and agencies receive modest funding, the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force are the largest recipients.
Of the total allocation, N2.392 trillion is designated for personnel costs, highlighting the manpower-intensive nature of Nigeria’s defence architecture. Capital expenditure accounts for N464.47 billion, while N297.03 billion is earmarked for overheads, indicating that recurrent spending—salaries and allowances—dominates defence funding.
The Nigerian Army, the largest beneficiary, is allocated N1.504 trillion, with personnel costs forming the bulk of the spending to support its counter-insurgency, counter-banditry, and internal security operations nationwide.
The Nigerian Navy receives N443.92 billion, including N322.91 billion for personnel, N71.78 billion for capital projects, and N49.23 billion for overheads. Its capital budget covers infrastructure, patrol boats, and maritime assets to secure territorial waters and combat piracy and oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea.
Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force is allocated N407.15 billion, broken down into N229.90 billion for personnel, N66.58 billion for overheads, and N110.67 billion for capital expenditure. The Air Force’s capital spending is largely focused on aircraft maintenance, upgrades, simulators, and aviation infrastructure to enhance air surveillance and provide precision support for ground operations.
The Defence Headquarters, responsible for policy coordination and strategic oversight, receives N41.24 billion, including N17.33 billion for personnel and N8.92 billion for capital expenditure. Other defence agencies, such as the Defence Research and Development Bureau, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Defence Space Administration, receive smaller allocations within the overall budget.
While capital expenditure totals hundreds of billions of naira, it remains significantly lower than recurrent commitments, reflecting the government’s emphasis on sustaining troop strength across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-East, South-South, and South-West regions.
Observers note that the 2026 defence allocation underscores the government’s reliance on the armed forces to stabilise the country, with the Army, Navy, and Air Force absorbing the lion’s share of resources to maintain operational readiness and manpower.
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