The House of Representatives has promised to support the Nigerian Army with proper funding to help address security challenges in the country.
Rep. Aminu Balele (APC-Katsina), who chairs the House committee, made this promise during a budget defense session on Monday.
After a private meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Rep. Balele told reporters that the committee was pleased with how the army used its 2024 budget.
“We are here to support our military, work together, and make sure they have what they need to succeed,” Balele said.
He went on to say, “We will keep supporting our troops, ensuring they get the resources they need, and helping them build their capacity at all levels.”
Balele explained that the committee had carefully reviewed the army’s 2024 budget and, as they look ahead to 2025, they had asked important questions about the security situation and what can be done moving forward.
“They’ve shared important information with us about security, and we’ll keep backing them in their efforts to solve insecurity across the country,” he added.
On the army’s 2024 budget, Rep. Balele said they were happy with the army’s performance, which reached more than 99% in terms of using the allocated funds. He also mentioned the committee’s recent oversight visits across the country and confirmed that the army was doing a good job with the funds they were given.
“The army’s budget performance has been impressive. We visited several places and can see that the money is being well spent,” Balele said. “But we know that Nigerians are expecting quick results when it comes to solving security problems, and we understand that pressure.”
Rep. Balele also mentioned that the committee had worked to improve the army’s funding, despite challenges like inflation and exchange rates. He noted that the allowances given to soldiers had been too low and assured that efforts were being made to resolve these issues.
“It’s a work in progress, but we are making progress,” he said.
