ADC slams FG over ‘paltry’ 7% release of army equipment budget
By Luminous Jannamike
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government over reports that only about seven per cent of the Nigerian Army’s 2025 budget for security equipment has been released, warning that the shortfall is weakening operations on the frontlines and leaving communities increasingly vulnerable.
The party said the issue is not just about figures, but about what those figures mean in real terms; fewer operational vehicles, grounded aircraft and limited capacity to respond quickly to attacks at a time when insecurity is rising across the country.
The position was contained in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who outlined what the ADC described as a worrying gap between what was approved and what has actually been released.
According to the party, out of N336.76 billion approved for security equipment in 2025, only N16.71 billion has reportedly been released, with no funding provided for key logistics such as transport, aircraft fuel and military barracks.
“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.
“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. At a time when Nigeria is battling widespread insecurity, this is not just disturbing; it is indefensible,” the ADC said.
Against this backdrop, the party pointed to a recent mass abduction in Ngoshe, Borno State, where more than 400 women and children were reportedly taken by Boko Haram.
“Reports indicate that over 400 women and children abducted in Ngoshe, Borno State are now the subject of a N5 billion ransom demand by Boko Haram, with a 72-hour ultimatum and a chilling threat that the victims may be dispersed and never seen again if the government fails to act,” it said.
The ADC also said ransom demands by armed groups are rising sharply, noting that more than N12 billion has been demanded in April 2026 alone.
“The connection between these two realities is direct. When only a fraction of security funds is released, when nothing is provided for logistics like mobility and fuel, and when equipment procurement is delayed, the result is predictable: a weakened security system. And when the state looks weak, those who threaten it grow stronger, with devastating consequences for ordinary Nigerians,” the party added.
The ADC further criticised what it described as a mismatch in priorities, saying the military is struggling with funding shortages while resources are being used to maintain the presidential air fleet.
“While the military struggles with chronic underfunding, the federal government has reportedly ensured full funding for the luxurious presidential air fleet enjoyed by the President and his immediate family, even as military aircraft remain grounded due to a lack of resources,” the statement said.
It warned that the effects are already being felt nationwide, with communities left vulnerable, farmers unable to return to their fields and businesses operating under constant fear.
“A government that releases only 7 per cent of security equipment funds, and nothing for critical logistics, cannot claim to be serious about winning the war against terror.
“You cannot starve our brave men and women in uniform of the tools they need and expect them to defeat a determined and well-armed enemy. This is not just a budgeting failure, it is a failure of leadership,” it said.
The ADC called on the Federal Government to urgently secure the release of those abducted and to ensure that security budgets are backed by timely funding for equipment, logistics, training and intelligence.
“Nigeria does not lack resources. What we lack is the discipline to put those resources where they matter most,” the statement added.
The party warned that until funding matches the scale of the threat, the gap between Nigeria’s security promises and realities may continue to widen.
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