The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it described as poor implementation of Nigeria’s 2025 defence budget, warning that inadequate funding of the military could worsen the country’s security crisis.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said reports indicate that only about seven per cent of the N336.76 billion approved for Nigerian Army equipment has been released, leaving critical operational needs largely unfunded.
According to the ADC, no disbursement has reportedly been made for key logistics such as transportation, aircraft fuel and military barracks, a situation it described as a dangerous mismatch between government spending priorities and national security demands.
The party linked the development to the worsening security situation across the country, citing recent incidents of mass abductions, including reports of over 400 women and children kidnapped in Ngoshe, Borno State, with huge ransom demands allegedly issued by insurgents.
“It is disturbing that at a time Nigeria is battling widespread insecurity, only a fraction of funds meant for military equipment has been released. This is not just alarming, it is indefensible,” the statement said, warning that underfunding the military weakens the nation’s capacity to respond effectively to threats.
The ADC further criticised what it termed a “misplacement of priority,” alleging that while the military grapples with limited resources, other areas of government expenditure continue to receive full funding.
It stressed that effective security management requires timely release of funds for equipment, logistics, intelligence and training, adding that anything short of this undermines both troop morale and national safety.
The party called on the Federal Government to urgently address the funding gaps, ensure full implementation of the defence budget and take decisive steps to secure the release of abducted citizens, while tackling the broader challenges fueling insecurity in the country.
