By The Joint Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on the Air Force have unanimously rejected the 2026 budget proposal presented by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), declaring it grossly inadequate to tackle the nation’s escalating security challenges.
The decision was reached during a joint budget defense session held to review the NAF’s 2025 budget performance and its 2026 estimates.
Speaking at the session, the Co-Chairmen of the Committees, Senator Osita Ngwu and Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, argued that the proposed allocation falls far short of what is required to sustain the Air Force’s operational capacity. They noted that the current envelope cannot support the firepower needed to effectively combat insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
Committee Action Consequently, the Joint Committees resolved to set up a six-member technical committee. This body is tasked with engaging the Federal Government, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the National Assembly leadership to develop a realistic funding framework. The committee will review the proposal and facilitate the submission of an improved budget for legislative approval.
Addressing journalists after the session, Rt. Hon. Rurum stated:”After extensive deliberations, we unanimously rejected the budget as presented by the Executive. The Air Force requires substantial funding to prepare adequately against insurgency and banditry. We have resolved to set up a committee to liaise with the Director-General of the Budget Office to ensure adequate funds are provided.”
The Funding Gap Earlier in the session, the NAF leadership had appealed for significant increases across key expenditure lines:
Personnel Emoluments: The NAF requested ₦300.8 billion, against the ₦229.9 billion proposed in the draft budget.
Overhead Costs: A request of ₦138.7 billion was made, compared to the ₦66.6 billion allocated.
Capital Expenditure: The NAF sought ₦230.7 billion, a sharp contrast to the ₦110.7 billion currently proposed.
The Air Force maintained that the additional funds are critical for enhancing operational readiness, m
