Security to Retain Lion’s Share of Tinubu’s 2026–2028 Budget Targets Realistic Spending — Sen. Umeh Reacts
Extolled Tinubu’s approach, demands end to unimplemented budgets as Tinubu pledges strict timelines and fiscal discipline
By Fatima Saka
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, evaluates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2026–2028 budget proposal, describing it as a “budget of shared prosperity,” while stressing that prioritising security remains unavoidable given Nigeria’s lingering instability.
Reacting to the budget presentation in Abuja on Friday, Umeh said the continued dominance of defence and security allocations is expected and justified, noting that national development is impossible without safety and stability.
“Security will continue to hold the lion’s share of our national budget because of the level of insecurity we’ve been passing through. The two previous budgets had defence topping the charts and this one, expectedly so, because we are still heavily challenged,” he said.
The senator emphasised that the National Assembly will keep supporting funding for security until peace is restored across the country, insisting that “a secure nation is a nation that can develop.”
He commended President Tinubu for adopting a more pragmatic approach to the new budget, moving away from what he described as “trillions upon trillions with no effect” in previous years.
“Most of the monies appropriated in the past two to three years were not utilised. So there’s no point bringing humongous figures that end up not being implemented. This time, I think it’s a modest budget,” he stated.
On economic indicators, Umeh expressed concern that the reported decline in inflation from 34 percent to 16 percent has not been reflected in Nigerians’ purchasing power.
“It’s a magical fall but it has not translated into people’s realities. Food and essential items are still difficult to afford,” he noted, urging the government to intensify investment in agriculture, particularly by ensuring improved security so farmers can safely return to their farms.
According to him, boosting local food production and regulating excessive food imports will help stabilise prices and strengthen food security.
Speaking on Nigeria’s history of poorly implemented budgets, Umeh welcomed the President’s move to enforce strict budget timelines and end the cycle of carry-over spending.
He noted that all outstanding budgets will terminate by March 31, 2026, while the 2024 budget ends December 31, 2025 — with unimplemented components expected to be addressed through service-wide provisions.
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“What we expect is an improved standard of living. Budgets always come with good speeches and hope, but the taste of the pudding is in the eating. Nigerians are suffering, but with proper collaboration between the Executive and National Assembly, these problems can be addressed,” he assured.
Umeh urged Nigerians to be patient, expressing optimism that disciplined implementation of the new budget could help restore economic stability and improve livelihoods.
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