National Assembly to Engage Bola Ahmed Tinubu Over Security Funding, Move to Review Envelope Budgeting System

National Assembly to Engage Bola Ahmed Tinubu Over Security Funding, Move to Review Envelope Budgeting System

The National Assembly has revealed plans to formally engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over persistent funding challenges affecting security and intelligence agencies, particularly the non-release of capital allocations in the current fiscal year.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Intelligence, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, made this known after a closed-door session with heads of key security and intelligence institutions. He acknowledged that the issue of non-release of capital funds is not limited to defence and intelligence agencies but cuts across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

According to him, the committee will, after reviewing submissions from relevant committees, convene to develop comprehensive solutions to address the funding shortfalls, especially as preparations begin for the 2026 fiscal year.

Abdullahi stressed that following the President’s declaration of a national emergency on security, the pronouncement must be matched with adequate financial backing to avoid becoming merely symbolic.

“President Tinubu had declared that emergency, and therefore, if there is an emergency, there should be funding to back up that emergency. We will have to come up with strategies to ensure that the words and declaration of the President do not go in vain,” he said.

He added that the committee may, through the leadership of the National Assembly, seek an audience with the President to present the concerns of both chambers and ensure that security and intelligence agencies receive sufficient funding to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

The lawmaker described 2026 as a critical year for Nigeria’s democracy, warning that failure to adequately fund security institutions could pose serious risks as the country approaches the next general elections.

On the controversial envelope budgeting system, Abdullahi expressed strong reservations, describing it as outdated and no longer reflective of current national realities. He explained that the system was introduced during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a temporary fiscal control measure amid declining oil revenues.

“This envelope system was developed years ago when I was in the civil service. I think it has outlived its usefulness. We are not budgeting based on needs; we are budgeting based on money. The issue is not just limited funds, but identifying the real needs and priorities that should be funded,” he stated.

Abdullahi argued for a shift toward a needs-based budgeting framework that aligns allocations with national priorities rather than rigid financial ceilings.

He disclosed that the committee plans to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office of the Federation to reassess the continued relevance of the envelope system and explore reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s budgeting process.

He further noted that preliminary reviews have been concluded, and formal reports are being prepared for submission to the Appropriation Committee and the leadership of the National Assembly for necessary legislative action.