The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu over reports that only about seven percent of the Nigerian Army’s budget for security equipment has been released in the 2025 fiscal year.
In a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s national publicity secretary, the ADC described the development as “indefensible”.
The ADC said out of the N336.76 billion approved for security equipment, only N16.71 billion has been disbursed, while no funds have been released for critical logistics such as transport, aircraft fuel, and military barracks.
“At a time when Nigeria is battling widespread insecurity, this is not just disturbing; it is indefensible,” the party said.
It said the situation reflects a government that “talks tough on security but fails to back it up with action”.
The party linked the alleged underfunding to the worsening security situation across the country, citing recent reports of mass abductions.
It referenced the abduction of over 400 women and children in Ngoshe, Borno state, where insurgents reportedly demanded a N5 billion ransom.
The ADC said such incidents show how weakened security structures embolden criminal groups.
“When only a fraction of security funds is released… the result is predictable: a weakened security system,” the statement said.
MISMATCH GOVERNMENT PRIORITY
The party also criticised what it described as a mismatch in government priorities, alleging that while the military faces funding gaps, the presidential air fleet continues to receive full funding.
“This paints a troubling picture of a government that is more concerned with comfort at the top than safety on the ground,” it said.
The ADC said inadequate funding undermines the morale and effectiveness of security personnel, warning that it could prolong the fight against insurgency.
“A government that releases only seven percent of security equipment funds cannot claim to be serious about winning the war against terror,” the party added.
It urged the federal government to prioritise timely release of funds for equipment, logistics, training, and intelligence.
The party also called for urgent action to secure the release of abducted victims and address what it described as systemic failures in Nigeria’s security architecture.
