Sadeeq Shehu: Nigeria Is Spending Right On Security, Poor Budget Planning Is The Problem.
Former spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu (Rtd), says Nigeria is spending an appropriate amount on security but poor budget planning and governance are undermining the effectiveness of defence spending.
Shehu made the assessment during an interview on ARISE News on Thursday, while discussing the Federal Government’s special security interventions and defence allocations between 2023 and 2026.
He argued that the country’s security challenges cannot be addressed simply by increasing defence spending, stressing that the priority should be how available funds are allocated and utilised.
“If you ask me, proportionate to what Nigeria is earning from its foreign trade and everything from petrol, I think we are spending right as far as amount is concerned. The problem is the plan and where do we put the money. The problem is also a governance issue,” he said. Shehu identified the structure of Nigeria’s defence budget as a major concern, explaining that a significant proportion goes towards personnel costs, leaving limited funds for equipment, maintenance, training and military modernisation.
MSEApp News is publishing an original rewrite of this tip for readers, based on reporting associated with Arise News.