The Joint Committee on the Nigerian Air Force has rejected the service’s proposed budget, citing its inadequacy to sustain the level of firepower required to combat insurgency across the country at this critical time.
According to the Committee, the proposed allocation fell short of meeting the operational demands of the Air Force, particularly amid ongoing security challenges. Consequently, the Committee resolved to form a mini-committee tasked with engaging the Federal Government, the Budget Office, and relevant legislative committees to develop a more realistic and sustainable budget framework.
Speaking to reporters, House Committee Chairman, Hon. Kabir Alhassan, stated that once finalized, the revised budget proposal will be submitted to the Joint Committee for consideration and approval. The goal is to enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to effectively fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.
Clarifying concerns surrounding the 2025 budget cycle, Hon. Alhassan explained that while some capital components have been deferred to 2026 due to fiscal constraints, the overall funding remained insufficient. He stressed that any allocation eventually provided particularly in 2026 must fully support both operational and strategic needs of the Air Force.
The Committee also called on the Federal Government to cooperate fully in the review process, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive and adequately funded action to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
In closing, the Committee thanked stakeholders for their cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that national security institutions receive the funding necessary to maintain peace and stability.
