By Augustine Aminu with agency report
The allocation of a substantial percentage of the total 2025 budget to the Ministry of Defence has brought relief to many Nigerians, given the persistent security threats across the country.
President Bola Tinubu presented a record budget of N49.74 trillion to the National Assembly on Dec. 18, 2024.
The 2025 budget proposal, tagged “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” represents a 41.9 per cent increase from the previous year.
Of the total budget, Defence received the largest allocation of N4.91 trillion.
However, experts argue that the effectiveness of this allocation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges remains uncertain.
Nigeria’s defence budget has seen significant growth, with a 134.8 per cent increase between 2019 and 2023, reaching N1.383 trillion.
Critics point out that a substantial portion of the budget is allocated towards personnel costs, with limited funds available for critical infrastructure development and equipment upgrades.
The government’s approach to defence spending has been criticised for lacking transparency and accountability.
The allocation of N2.49 trillion to regional development commissions under personnel costs has raised concerns about potential mismanagement of funds.
Security experts, therefore, emphasise the need for a holistic approach to national security, considering the interconnections between security, economic development, social welfare, and governance.
A Security Expert, Chris Aluta, justified the government’s huge allocation to defence, highlighting the unprecedented level of insecurity in the country.
Aluta is the Group Managing Director of ProtectionPlus Services Limited, a Maritime security outfit.
Matthew Ibadin, also a security expert, commended President Tinubu’s increased allocation to defence, stating that investing in defence and security is crucial for the Nigerian government.
However, he emphasised the need to decentralise the police and redefine the security architecture for effective policing.
Another security expert, Seyi Babaeko, Managing Director of Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd, noted that the proposed allocation demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding national stability.
However, he stressed the importance of implementing robust oversight mechanisms, strategic focus, and a balanced approach to addressing insecurity.
According to him, addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and socioeconomic inequalities, is crucial for creating a sustainable foundation for long-term peace and stability.
“A holistic approach to national security, considering the interconnections between security, economic development, social welfare, and governance, is essential,” he said.
All in all, the experts are unanimous in their submissions that ultimately, the success of the budget allocation depends on measurable outcomes and adaptive strategies.
They believe that establishing clear performance indicators, regular evaluations, and timely course corrections will ensure accountability and effective resource deployment.(NANFeatures)