President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration's commitment to eradicating terrorism and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians. Speaking during the 2025 Regimental Dinner Night as part of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day events in Abuja, the President emphasized the importance of equipping security agencies to tackle the evolving challenges of insecurity.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, President Tinubu praised the Armed Forces for their dedication and professionalism, urging them to remain courageous and innovative. He assured that his administration would prioritize their welfare and provide necessary resources to enhance their operational efficiency.
“The road ahead will not always be easy, but together, we can overcome any challenge. We must continue to invest in the capabilities of our military to address the evolving security challenges,” Tinubu said.
Call for Increased Defence Funding
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle has raised concerns over the inadequate funding of the Ministry of Defence. Appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence to defend the ministry’s 2025 budget, Matawalle lamented that the N50 billion allocation for 2025 is grossly insufficient to address the country's security challenges.
Highlighting the ministry’s financial struggles, Matawalle revealed that critical needs, including group life insurance for military personnel and the provision of essential equipment, remain unmet.
“The Ministry of Defence cannot work magic with the current budget. We need an additional N20 billion to settle the accumulated group life insurance for the families of deceased personnel. With proper funding, banditry could be eradicated in two months,” Matawalle said.
He disclosed that he and Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru had personally funded trips to address security challenges in various states due to budgetary constraints.
Legislative Support for Defence
The House Defence Committee, led by Babajimi Benson, resolved to advocate for increased funding for the Ministry of Defence. Committee members, including Philip Agbese, emphasized the need to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.
“As representatives of the people, we must ensure every naira is judiciously spent to enhance our military’s effectiveness and deliver results,” Benson said.
The committee’s resolution aligns with President Tinubu’s pledge to invest in the Armed Forces, with hopes that increased funding and technological advancements will bolster Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insecurity.
