The Minister of State for Defence, Muhammad Matawalle, has urged the House of Representatives Committee on Defence to approve an additional 20 billion naira to clear outstanding group life insurance payments for the families of deceased military personnel. Speaking during the 2025 budget defence session in Abuja, Matawalle, who represented the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, highlighted critical funding gaps in the defence sector.
He expressed concern over the poor living conditions of military personnel and the lack of resources for operational needs. According to Matawalle, the 2024 budget made no provision for barracks maintenance, leaving many personnel in inadequate living conditions. He also noted the limited procurement of equipment, such as armoured personnel carriers (APCs), which has hampered efforts to combat insecurity.
“How do we expect personnel to perform when their living standards are inadequate? For example, we only managed to procure 20 APCs in 2024, far below what’s required to tackle banditry effectively in Katsina and other states,” Matawalle said. He further revealed that the ministry is struggling to pay entitlements for military personnel, including those in theatre operations and the Presidential Guard, emphasizing the urgent need for increased funding to meet these obligations.
Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces. In his opening remarks, he commended the military’s professionalism in addressing challenges such as insurgency, terrorism, and banditry. However, he acknowledged the dynamic nature of security threats, which require innovative and adaptive approaches.
Hon. Benson emphasized the importance of fiscal transparency and accountability in the use of defence funds. He urged defence agencies to focus on measurable outcomes, operational efficiency, and the integration of modern technologies to enhance their effectiveness. Key issues raised for deliberation included delays in project implementation, resource mismanagement, and the need for capacity-building programs to equip personnel with contemporary skills.
He assured stakeholders that the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to strengthening the defence sector through increased funding and oversight. According to him, the ongoing budget defence exercise is not just a legislative duty but a collective responsibility to ensure national security and prosperity.
The session, which comes amid rising security challenges across the country, will continue on January 16, 2025, with further input expected from defence stakeholders and agencies.
