The Nigerian Army is preparing to absorb 13,000 new personnel into its ranks by the end of 2025. But with barely enough funds to support existing troops, concerns over accommodation, equipment, and general welfare are rising fast.

Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, made this known in Abuja on Thursday during a visit from the Senate Committee on Army. The committee, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, was on an oversight tour of army operations and facilities.

Oluyede painted a clear picture of the strain. “As we speak, the Army is still challenged in terms of operational efficiency,” he said. “This year alone, we are expecting about 13,000 new personnel, but there are no corresponding resources to provide accommodation for them.”

He didn’t mince words. “We still have soldiers not being accommodated, and that number will continue to grow,” he warned.

“Take Us Out of Envelope Budgeting”

The army chief called for a complete overhaul of the current envelope budgeting system. He asked lawmakers to consider special provisions that would allow the army to meet rising demands in both internal and external security threats.

“We are not only looking at insecurity within. What if someday we are challenged from outside?” he posed. “Please look at how we can get special funds to provide accommodation for our soldiers. It’s very critical.”

Senator Yar’Adua agreed. “The Nigerian Armed Forces should be taken out of the envelope budgeting system, so they have more funds to carry out their mandate,” he said.

He revealed that the Senate committee had divided into two groups to inspect Army formations in Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Lagos. The visits are part of efforts to monitor how funds are used and assess the state of military facilities.

Funding Gaps and the Road Ahead

According to the senator, some of the projects visited are progressing well, with a few already completed. But there were also grey areas. “There were concerns about a few projects, which we’ve brought to the attention of the Army leadership,” he added.

He assured Oluyede of continued support, promising another round of oversight before year’s end. The committee also pledged to monitor the implementation of the 2025 Appropriations Act.

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