“House Committee Urges Full Release of Security Budget Allocations for 2024 and 2025”

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has called on the Federal Government to immediately release the total capital allocations for security agencies as outlined in the 2024 and 2025 budget estimates.

Speaking during Monday’s budget defense session for agencies under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Committee Chairman Ahmed Satomi expressed concern that many intelligence agencies had not received their full capital allocations in 2024, with some seeing releases that fell short of expectations. He emphasized that timely release of these funds is essential for security agencies to effectively carry out their constitutional responsibilities in the 2025 fiscal year.

Despite increased budget allocations to the security sector in recent years, Satomi pointed out that the intelligence sub-sector continues to be underfunded, making it difficult for agencies to achieve optimal service delivery. Specifically, he cited agencies like the National Centre for Counter-Terrorism, which received zero capital releases in both 2023 and 2024. Other agencies, such as the National Institute for Security Studies and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, also faced a lack of funding for their capital projects in 2024.

The committee chairman further explained that the intelligence sub-sector has consistently struggled with insufficient funding, preventing agencies from delivering the high standards of security and intelligence gathering required. He urged the Federal Government to prioritize funding for these agencies in the 2025 budget, especially considering the increasing security challenges facing the nation.

During the budget defense session, representatives from various security agencies, including the Directorate of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Presidential Air Fleet, were present. Satomi stressed the importance of collaboration between these agencies to ensure the safety of Nigerians and their property.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for allocating N4.91 trillion to Defense and Security, Satomi highlighted the importance of allocating sufficient funds to the intelligence sub-sector in the upcoming fiscal year. He specifically called on President Tinubu to intervene and ensure the release of all outstanding 2024 allocations for intelligence agencies and to ensure future prompt releases.

Satomi’s plea comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to tackle evolving security threats, including counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering, and countering the illicit flow of small arms. He also mentioned that the 2025 budget proposal, named the “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” aims to improve citizen engagement and strengthen national security efforts, including deradicalization, disarmament, and reintegration programs.

He concluded by stressing that the lack of funding for critical security agencies undermines Nigeria’s ability to counter terrorism, maintain national security, and protect air transportation for government officials. The committee remains committed to overseeing these budgetary issues to ensure the effective security of the nation.