The House of Representatives Committee on Army has pledged to ensure adequate financial allocation for the Nigerian Army in the 2025 budget proposal to address the challenges of insecurity across the country.
Chairman of the Committee, Aminu Balele (APC, Katsina State), made this assurance on Monday during the committee’s 2025 budget defence session. Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Balele expressed satisfaction with the Army’s performance in implementing the 2024 budget.
“We are committed to providing unwavering support, fostering cooperation, and maintaining solidarity with our military counterparts,” he said. “The committee is determined to champion the welfare of our troops, ensure adequate power provisions, and promote capacity building at all levels.”
He noted that the committee had scrutinized the 2024 budget and deliberated extensively on the Army’s plans for addressing the insecurity in the country.
“We have to support them to ensure that, within a short period, they can address the issue of insecurity nationwide,” Balele added.
Commenting on the Army’s 2024 budget performance, the lawmaker described it as excellent, achieving over 99% implementation.
“We sent colleagues on oversight visits across the country, and the feedback was positive. Nigerians need quick results, and while there is pressure, we in the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, are doing our best to address security issues despite challenges like inflation and exchange rate fluctuations,” he stated.
Balele also assured that the committee would review and address the allowances of soldiers on the frontline in the fight against insecurity, reiterating the importance of improving the welfare of those risking their lives for the nation.
