The House of Representatives Committee on Defence has called for stricter accountability, result driven spending and a comprehensive security strategy in the 2026 defence budget. Chairman of the committee, Babajimi Benson, made the call in Abuja as the panel began budget defence sessions with the Ministry of Defence and its agencies.
Benson described the exercise as a sacred constitutional duty and a key stage in the appropriation process. He said it provides a platform for rigorous scrutiny, constructive engagement and mutual accountability in the interest of national security.
He praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for gains recorded against insurgency, terrorism and other crimes across various theatres of operation. However, he warned that persistent security challenges show the need for deeper reforms, better coordination and smarter use of limited resources.
Benson stressed that higher allocations must come with measurable outcomes, value for money and strict transparency. He said the era of input focused budgeting without real impact is no longer acceptable.
The lawmaker added that Nigeria’s security problems cannot be solved by force alone. He advocated a whole of government and whole of society approach that pairs military action with non kinetic measures to tackle poverty, youth unemployment, illiteracy, weak local governance and radicalisation.
He said the 2026 proposals should prioritise strategic communication, community peacebuilding, cyber defence, defence intelligence, border security technology, police reform and data sharing across agencies. The budget, he noted, must show a clear balance between military might and tools for lasting peace.
Benson assured the military of continued legislative support while insisting that oversight of public funds would remain firm. He said accountability is not punishment but a shared obligation to strengthen public trust.
He reaffirmed the 10th House’s commitment to boosting defence through local production, research and development, better welfare and modern military capabilities. He urged stakeholders to use the budget defence as a chance to reset Nigeria’s security approach and protect the country’s future.
Defence Minister General Christopher Musa presented the ministry’s budget performance to the committee. After adopting the report, the committee asked him to take a bow and adjourned the session sine die.
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