Nigerian government allocates over N13bn for security arms in new budget
The Federal Government has set aside more than N13.12bn for the purchase of arms, ammunition, and equipment for security agencies in the 2026 budget. Budget documents reveal allocations to key institutions, including the Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, and the Nigerian Air Force. The move comes after a significant drop in arms spending in 2025, as shown by recent data. Bola Tinubu is the current President overseeing these developments.
What we know
- Over N13.12bn is allocated for arms and related equipment in the 2026 appropriation bills.
- The Nigerian Air Force receives the largest share, with N6.13bn for aircraft platforms, arms, and ammunition, plus N1.79bn for 2,000 AR-M5T assault rifles.
- The Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Park Headquarters, and Nigerian Defence Academy are among the beneficiaries.
- Arms and ammunition imports dropped to about N49bn in 2025, compared to N520bn in 2024.
- National Bureau of Statistics data shows imports were N22.08bn in Q1 2025, N4.87bn in Q2, and N23.49bn in Q3.
