Joint Committee Rejects Nigerian Air Force Budget, Orders Comprehensive Review

Senate Committee Rejects Nigerian Air Force Budget, Orders Comprehensive Review

The Senate Committee has rejected the proposed budget of the Nigerian Air Force, describing it as grossly inadequate to sustain the level of firepower and operational capacity required to combat insurgency and other security threats across the country at this critical time.

The Committee observed that the allocation falls short of meeting the Air Force’s operational and strategic demands, especially in the face of persistent and evolving security challenges nationwide. Consequently, it resolved to constitute a mini-committee to engage with the Federal Government, the Budget Office, and relevant legislative committees to develop a more realistic and sustainable funding framework.

Speaking to journalists, the Senate Committee Chairman, Hon. Kabir Alhassan, disclosed that once the review process is concluded, a revised budget proposal will be presented to the Joint Committee for consideration and approval. He noted that the objective is to significantly strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian Air Force to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Clarifying issues surrounding the 2025 budget cycle, Hon. Alhassan explained that although a portion of the capital component has been deferred to 2026 due to prevailing fiscal constraints, the overall funding level remains insufficient.

He stressed that any funding eventually provided—particularly in 2026—must be robust enough to fully support the operational, tactical, and strategic needs of the Air Force.

The Committee called on the Federal Government to extend maximum cooperation throughout the review process, emphasizing that Nigerians urgently require decisive action, backed by adequate funding, to address the nation’s security challenges.

It also thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that national security institutions are properly funded in the interest of peace, stability, and national security.