NASS Joint Committee Rejects Nigerian Air Force Budget, Says Funding Inadequate to Tackle Insecurity
By Fatima Saka
The Joint Committee on Air Force has rejected the proposed budget of the Nigerian Air Force, declaring it inadequate to sustain the level of firepower and operational readiness required to combat insurgency and other security threats across the country.
The Committee said the proposed allocation falls short of meeting the Air Force’s operational demands, especially at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity. Members stressed that the funding level, as presented, would significantly undermine the capacity of the Air Force to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Consequently, the Joint Committee resolved to constitute a mini-committee to engage the Federal Government, the Budget Office, and relevant legislative committees with a view to developing a more realistic and sustainable budget framework for the Nigerian Air Force.
Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Hon. Kabir Alhassan, alongside Senator Osita Ngwu, explained that the outcome of the engagements would be a revised budget proposal to be submitted to the Joint Committee for consideration and approval.
According to Alhassan, the aim is to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force to respond decisively to the nation’s security challenges.
Addressing concerns surrounding the 2025 budget cycle, the House Committee Chairman clarified that although a percentage of the capital components has been deferred to 2026 due to fiscal constraints, the overall funding remains insufficient.
He emphasised that any funds eventually provided—particularly in the 2026 fiscal year—must be adequate to fully support the operational and strategic needs of the Air Force, warning that underfunding could have grave implications for national security.
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The Joint Committee called on the Federal Government to give maximum cooperation to the ongoing review process, stressing that Nigerians urgently require decisive, well-funded action to address persistent security threats.
The Committee also thanked stakeholders for their cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that national security institutions receive proper funding in the interest of peace, stability, and national unity.
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