ADC CRITICISES FG OVER POOR MILITARY FUNDING, CALLS FOR IMPROVED SECURITY INVESTMENT

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The African Democratic Congress has criticised the federal government over reports that only a small fraction of the Nigerian Army’s 2025 equipment budget was released.

The party claimed that out of N336.76 billion approved, just N16.71 billion was disbursed, with no allocation made for key operational needs such as transportation, aircraft fuel, and military barracks. It described the development as unacceptable amid ongoing insecurity in the country.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the situation reflects a lack of commitment to effectively tackling security challenges nationwide.

The party also accused the government of prioritising the presidential air fleet while military aircraft remain grounded due to insufficient funding, calling it “an unpardonable misplacement of priority”.

The ADC linked poor funding to worsening insecurity, arguing that it weakens the military and emboldens armed groups. It cited the reported abduction of over 400 women and children in Ngoshe, Borno State, where Boko Haram allegedly demanded a N5 billion ransom within 72 hours.

The statement reads: “The African Democratic Congress is appalled by recent reports that only about 7 per cent of the Nigerian Army’s budget for security equipment has been released in the 2025 fiscal year.”

It added: “Out of the N336.76 billion approved, only a paltry N16.71 billion has reportedly been disbursed, while nothing has been released for critical logistics such as transport, aircraft fuel, and military barracks.”

The party warned that underfunding security operations leads to predictable consequences.

The party stated that when only a fraction of security funding is released, the outcome is a weakened security system.

It further faulted government spending priorities, alleging that while the military remains underfunded, the federal government has reportedly fully financed a luxurious presidential air fleet.

According to the African Democratic Congress, the failure to adequately fund the military reflects both a budgeting lapse and a leadership failure. It added that insecurity continues to disrupt daily life, leaving communities vulnerable, farmers unable to access their lands, and businesses operating under constant fear.

The party urged the government to urgently improve funding for security agencies and intensify efforts to secure the release of those abducted.