Nigeria spent N32.8trn on defence in 15yrs

Despite the allocation of about N32.88 trillion to defence in the last 15 years — representing roughly 12.5 per cent of the N262.834 trillion national budgets within the period — Nigeria remains trapped in protracted insecurity.

Given the official budget exchange rates in the various years, the N32.88 trillion is $44.641billion.

Across several regions, communities continue to endure insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, communal clashes and oil-related violence, raising questions about whether increased defence spending is translating into improved safety for citizens.

Security trackers estimate that over 100,000 Nigerians have been killed in violent conflicts and insecurity-related incidents since 2012, while thousands more have been abducted and millions displaced from their homes.

The crisis appears far from abating in 2026, with no fewer than 1,091 lives reportedly lost to violent attacks within the first 41 days of this year alone. Currently, no fewer than 3.726 million Nigerians are displaced by insecurity and are scattered in about 3,900 camps across the country. And now the suicide bombers, who reigned in the polity in 2014 have returned with scores killed in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Monday.

Against this backdrop, the National Assembly has intensified scrutiny of defence spending as lawmakers work toward passing the 2026 Appropriation Bill by March 31.

Senate targets March 31 passage

The Senate is currently processing the N58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, which includes about N5.41 trillion for defence and security, one of the largest sectoral allocations in the proposed budget.
The proposal forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s 2026 budget submitted to the National Assembly in December 2025.

Following the second reading of the bill, Senate committees have been conducting detailed sectoral reviews and budget defence sessions with ministries, departments and agencies, including the Ministry of Defence.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio recently indicated that the upper chamber is working toward passing the budget before March 31, after committee reports are submitted and harmonised.