The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has appealed to the Senate for increased funding to support the Nigerian Army’s growing operational demands and improve the welfare of its personnel.
Speaking on Thursday, July 31, during a visit by the Senate Committee on Army to the Army Headquarters in Abuja, Oluyede appreciated the lawmakers’ oversight efforts but said the current budgeting system limits the Army’s effectiveness.
“As we speak, the Army is still challenged in terms of operational efficiency. This year alone, we are expecting about 13,000 new personnel, but there are no corresponding resources to provide accommodation for them. We still have soldiers not being accommodated, and that number will continue to grow,” he said.
Oluyede urged the Senate to create a special funding arrangement separate from the current envelope budgeting model to help meet essential needs like housing and combat support.
“We are not only looking at maybe insecurity within, but what if someday we are challenged from outside.
“So I want to pray that, please look at that, and at the same time, look at how we can get special funds for us to provide accommodation for our soldiers. It’s very critical,” he added.
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In response, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, acknowledged the funding issues and promised to push for more resources.
“The Nigerian Army and Armed Forces should be taken out of the envelope budgeting system, so they have more funds to carry out their mandate. We’ve seen the need during our oversight visits,” Yar’Adua said.
He explained that the committee had split into teams to inspect Army formations in Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Lagos. The visits, he said, were aimed at ensuring that appropriated funds were being properly utilised.
Yar’Adua noted that while many projects were on track or completed, some concerns had been flagged for the Army’s attention.
“We want to assure the Chief of Army Staff of our continued support and collaboration with the executive to ensure the Army is adequately funded,” he stated.
He added that another round of oversight visits was planned before the year ends to assess how the 2025 budget is being implemented.