By Our Correspondent
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly, unveiling one of the largest spending plans in Nigeria’s history and placing national security at the centre of his administration’s priorities.
The proposed 2026 budget, estimated at over ₦58 trillion, is designed to consolidate ongoing economic reforms, stabilise the economy, and strengthen national resilience amid persistent security and socio-economic challenges. The President described the spending plan as a budget of consolidation, renewed resilience and shared prosperity, signalling the government’s intention to build on policies already in motion.
A major highlight of the budget is the ₦5.41 trillion allocation to security, which stands as the largest sectoral allocation in the proposal. The funding is aimed at enhancing the capacity of the armed forces, the police, and other security agencies to confront insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes threatening lives, livelihoods and economic activities across the country.
According to the President, sustained investment in security is critical to restoring public confidence, protecting communities and creating an environment where businesses can thrive. He emphasised that economic growth and social development cannot be achieved without peace and stability, making security spending a central priority of the administration.
Tinubu also reaffirmed the government’s tough stance on insecurity, stating that any armed group or gun-wielding non-state actor operating outside the authority of the state would be treated as terrorists. The declaration reflects a renewed determination to enforce law and order and dismantle criminal networks undermining national unity.
Beyond security, the 2026 budget makes significant provisions for infrastructure, education and healthcare, reflecting a broader development agenda. Substantial funding has been earmarked for roads, power, schools and hospitals, as the government seeks to balance immediate security needs with long-term human and economic development.
The presentation took place under tight security at the National Assembly complex, underscoring the sensitivity of the occasion and the administration’s emphasis on safety. Lawmakers are expected to begin detailed scrutiny of the proposal in the coming weeks, with debates likely to focus on revenue projections, debt sustainability and the effectiveness of increased security spending.
As deliberations begin, the 2026 budget sets the tone for the next phase of the Tinubu administration, one that places security at the forefront while pursuing economic stability, institutional reforms and improved living standards for Nigerians.
