Defence, security received N3.25tr in 2024 alone – Speaker, Abbas

Tamarauemi Ebimini

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has revealed that the sum of N3.25 trillion was allocated to the defence and security sector in 2024 alone.

He said the amount represented 12 per cent of the national budget.

Abbas gave the hint on Monday in Abuja at the workshop for security-based committees on non-kinetic strategies to combat insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria.

He also revealed that about $16 billion was allocated to defence to tackle insecurity between 2008 and 2018.

The Speaker explained that non-kinetic strategies such as diplomatic dialogue, economic empowerment, psychological interventions, and community-based initiatives offer a broad and practical framework for creating sustainable peace.

These measures, the Speaker said, focus on the social, economic, and political conditions that drive insecurity.

Abbas stated: “Between 2008 and 2018, around $16 billion was allocated to defence, representing more than 10 per cent of the federal budget over that period.

“In 2020, the total budget for security accounted for 16.8 per cent of the total budget of $27.9 billion. In 2024, N3.25 trillion has been allocated to the defence and security sector, representing 12 per cent of the national budget.

“These figures highlight the significant financial commitment to security and also underscore the need to consider more efficient and cost-effective approaches.

“Resources often diverted to combat insecurity could be more prudently invested in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are fundamental to national well-being.”