Senate kicks against envelope budgeting, seeks robust security funding

By Goli Innocent

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday condemned the envelope budgeting system used for security and intelligence agencies, describing it as inadequate and unreflective of the sector’s real operational needs. Lawmakers urged the National Assembly to ensure full and realistic funding for security institutions in the 2026 budget.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North), criticised the current allocation structure during the budget defence session of the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja. He described the system as “disheartening” and warned that it does not align with the demands placed on the intelligence community.

Abdullahi said, “Non-release or partial release of capital funds in the 2024 and 2025 budgets has negatively impacted their capacity to procure modern equipment and carry out critical operations,” stressing that proper funding remains critical to protecting lives and property nationwide.

The committee also rebuked heads of federal ministries, departments and agencies for habitual lateness to budget sessions, singling out former lawmakers now serving in the executive arm as frequent offenders. However, Abdullahi commended leaders of national security and intelligence agencies for their punctuality and cooperation.

Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the National Security Adviser, Mohammed Sanusi, outlined the intelligence community’s 2026 priorities, including tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping through strengthened intelligence gathering and community-based strategies.

Sanusi noted that the envelope system constrained operations in 2025 due to irregular overhead releases, non-implementation of capital appropriations and funding gaps for foreign service personnel. “The recent declaration of a state of emergency on national security underscores the urgent need for proper funding,” he said, calling for improved allocations and possible supplementary provisions to meet emerging threats.