ADC slams FG over poor military funding

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the federal government after reports indicated that only about seven per cent of the Nigerian Army’s equipment budget was released in 2025.

According to the party, out of N336.76 billion approved, just N16.71 billion was disbursed, while nothing was allocated to key needs such as transport, aircraft fuel and military barracks. It described the situation as unacceptable, particularly as insecurity persists across the country.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the development reflects a lack of seriousness in addressing insecurity.

The party also accused the government of prioritising the presidential air fleet while military aircraft remain grounded due to insufficient funding, calling it “an unpardonable misplacement of priority”.

The ADC linked poor funding to worsening insecurity, arguing that it weakens the military and emboldens armed groups. It cited the reported abduction of over 400 women and children in Ngoshe, Borno State, where Boko Haram allegedly demanded a N5 billion ransom within 72 hours.

The statement reads: “The African Democratic Congress is appalled by recent reports that only about 7 per cent of the Nigerian Army’s budget for security equipment has been released in the 2025 fiscal year.”

It added: “Out of the N336.76 billion approved, only a paltry N16.71 billion has reportedly been disbursed, while nothing has been released for critical logistics such as transport, aircraft fuel, and military barracks.”

The party warned that underfunding security operations leads to predictable consequences.

“When only a fraction of security funds is released, the result is predictable: a weakened security system,” it said.

It also criticised government priorities, saying: “While the military struggles with chronic underfunding, the federal government has reportedly ensured full funding for the luxurious presidential air fleet.”

The ADC stressed that failure to properly fund the military represents both a budgeting and leadership failure. It added that insecurity continues to affect daily life, with communities exposed, farmers unable to work, and businesses operating in fear.

The party called on the government to urgently improve funding for security and ensure the safe return of those abducted.