Nigeria's 2025 defense budget sees an increase over the 2024 allocation. President Tinubu says the funds will be used to boost the military's capabilities and tackle ongoing security challenges.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has proposed a defense and security budget of 4.91 trillion naira (about $3.16 billion) for 2025, marking an increase from the 3.85 trillion naira allocated in 2024. He presented the proposal to the National Assembly in Abuja on December 18.

My full 2025 Budget Presentation address to the Joint Session of the Nigerian National Assembly pic.twitter.com/pue1NsYsT1

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) December 18, 2024

Tinubu explained that the funds will be used to acquire advanced tools and technologies to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies. The goal is to address security threats like insurgency, banditry, and terrorism. He stressed that Nigerians should never live in fear—whether on farmlands, highways or cities. "By restoring peace, we restore productivity, revive businesses, and rebuild communities," he said.

Beyond security, the 2025 budget also focuses on key sectors like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Nigeria continues to struggle with widespread insecurity, including kidnappings, extremist insurgencies, banditry, communal conflicts, and political violence. From May 2023 to April 2024, around 4.14 million households were impacted by kidnappings, with ransom payments totaling 2.23 trillion naira. Over the same period, nearly 51.89 million criminal incidents were recorded, with the north-western region being the hardest hit, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics.

In response, the government is rolling out initiatives to improve the military’s operational capabilities and collaborating with international partners to tackle the root causes of insecurity. In October 2024, the Federal Executive Council approved a loan of $618 million to enhance the country’s air defense. In 2023, Tinubu also called on the United Nations to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, stressing its damaging impact on community development and stability.

The total budget for 2025 is set at 47.9 trillion naira (around $31 billion). Tinubu emphasized that this budget demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to building a "robust" economy while investing in essential sectors for growth and development.