Nigeria’s Defence Budget Soars Amid Persistent Insecurity
FG Channels ₦26.71 Trillion into Defence as Security Challenges Deepen
OVER the past 12 years, the Federal Government has allocated ₦26.71 trillion to defence and security in a sustained effort to contain Nigeria’s growing security threats. Budget analysis from 2015 to 2026 shows that defence spending has expanded dramatically amid escalating violence across the country.
Mounting Security Pressures
Nigeria’s territorial integrity has faced sustained pressure from multiple armed groups. Islamist insurgents continue to operate in the North, separatist agitation persists in the South-East, while bandit gangs, kidnappers and violent herdsmen have intensified attacks nationwide.
These threats have forced the government to channel a significant portion of annual budgets toward defence and internal security operations.
A Decade of Rising Defence Allocations
Defence spending stood at ₦969 billion in 2015 and increased steadily to ₦1.063 trillion in 2016 and ₦1.142 trillion in 2017. Allocations rose further to ₦1.323 trillion in 2018 and ₦1.328 trillion in 2019.
In 2020, defence spending dropped to ₦974.91 billion, followed by ₦121 billion in 2021. However, the trend reversed sharply in 2022 with ₦2.41 trillion allocated. Subsequent budgets recorded ₦1.55 trillion in 2023, ₦3.85 trillion in 2024 and a peak of ₦6.57 trillion in 2025.
For 2026, the Federal Government budgeted ₦5.41 trillion for defence and security within a ₦58.18 trillion total expenditure framework.
Security Spending Versus Reality
Despite rising allocations, insecurity remains a major concern, with communities continuing to suffer attacks, displacement and economic disruption.
President Tinubu’s Strategy
President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the link between security and development. In his New Year address, he said peace and stability are essential for economic reforms to succeed.
He pledged deeper collaboration with international allies, intelligence-led operations and institutional reforms, while renewing his call for decentralised policing as a long-term solution to Nigeria’s security crisis.
