By Paul Effiong, Abuja
National Assembly Joint Committee on Army has expressed satisfaction with the N1.504,251,069,722 2026 budget proposal for the Nigerian Army.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua dosclosed this after a joint budget defence of the committee with the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The committee assured the army of its readiness to ensure that funds appropriated are released for the execution of the budget promptly.
“We had a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army on the 2026 budget and after listening to the presentation of the COAS, all members have expressed satisfaction with it.
“However, all members of the joint committee also agreed that the major issue is the delay in the release of funds, a matter which is affecting other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.
“But I want to assure the chief of army staff that we are committed to collaborating with him to succeed. The army is so critical in our life as a nation and we would support you with everything that you need,” he said.
Also speaking during the budget defence session, the Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Aminu Balele commended the COAS and his officers for their patriotism and commitment in the fight against insurgency and protection of the nation`s territorial integrity.
He promised that his committee would continue to push for the timely release of funds to enable the army exercise its constitutional responsibilities.
Balele also assured that the committee would continue its oversight function with utmost responsibility.
“As we close the 2026 budget defence, I want to thank my Senate counterpart and his colleagues for joining hands with us for this national assignment. I commend the chief of army staff and his team for their patriotism and commitment.
“In my capacity as the chairman of the House Committee on Army, I wish to salute Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for his unwavering support. We know the issues involved with budgets and we are ready to push, and will continue to push for the timely release of funds, so that you can deliver on your mandates.”
Shortly after the brief presentation, lawmakers went into a private session for more talks on policy implimentation of the budget.
