The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has raised alarm over persistent poor implementation of the national budget, warning that underfunding of critical security agencies is worsening insecurity across Nigeria. The caucus disclosed it would formally raise the issue upon resumption of plenary, insisting the Federal Government must account for alleged failure to fully implement appropriations passed by the National Assembly since 2024.
Emergency Virtual Meeting Resolutions
The position formed part of resolutions reached during an emergency virtual meeting of the caucus held on June 19, where members reviewed the nation’s security situation and the implementation status of key government programmes. Spokesman of the Caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, who shed light on the outcome of the parley, claimed that defence and security-related Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) recorded less than 30 per cent budget implementation despite growing security challenges nationwide.
“Available records indicate that budget implementation in key defence and security agencies remains below 30 per cent, a situation that is unacceptable given the scale of insecurity confronting the nation,” Ogene said.
Consequences for Military Operations
According to the lawmakers, the low level of implementation has had severe consequences for military operations, logistics and the overall fight against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes. “The consequence of this poor funding is evident in the challenges faced by our security personnel in prosecuting the war against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping,” the statement noted. The caucus argued that there is a direct link between delayed payments to contractors handling security-related projects and the deterioration of security infrastructure across the country.
It maintained that the Armed Forces cannot effectively sustain operations against heavily armed insurgent groups under prevailing fiscal constraints, warning that inadequate funding continues to hamper efforts to secure communities and protect lives.
Executive Accountability Demanded
The opposition lawmakers also accused the Executive of repeatedly failing to honour commitments made to Nigerians through budgets approved by Parliament, stressing that accountability for budget implementation remains a core constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly. “The Executive must explain why funds duly appropriated by the National Assembly have not been fully implemented, especially in sectors that directly affect the safety of Nigerians,” the caucus said.
The caucus said it would intensify oversight of government spending and demand explanations from relevant agencies over the alleged failure to fully execute appropriated funds, particularly in sectors critical to national security. It warned that unless urgent steps are taken to improve budget performance, efforts to tackle insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats may continue to face serious setbacks.
Call for Effective Budget Implementation
“Effective budget implementation is not optional; it is essential for national security, public trust and the delivery of democratic dividends to the Nigerian people,” the lawmakers added. Calling on the Spokesperson of the House, Akin Rotimi Jnr not to overstep his bound by meddling in the affairs of the minority caucus, they reiterated their commitment to holding the Executive accountable. The Caucus insisted that effective budget implementation remains essential to improving security, restoring public confidence and delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
