The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has revealed that about $16 billion was allocated to defence to tackle insecurity between 2008 and 2018.
Abbas disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the workshop for security based committees on non-kinetic strategies to combat insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria.
He said snon-Kinetic strategies such as diplomatic dialogue, economic empowerment, psychological interventions, and community-based initiatives offer a broad and practical framework for creating sustainable peace.
These measures, the Speaker said, focus on the social, economic, and political conditions that drive insecurity.
The Speaker also revealed that in 2020, the total budget for security accounted for 16.8 per cent of the total budget of $27.9 billion.
He said over the last two decades, billions of dollars have been spent on defence and security.
Abbas stated: “Between 2008 and 2018, around $16 billion was allocated to defence, representing more than 10 per cent of the federal budget over that period.
“In 2020, the total budget for security accounted for 16.8 per cent of the total budget of $27.9 billion. In 2024, N3.25 trillion has been allocated to the defence and security sector, representing 12 per cent of the national budget.
“These figures highlight the significant financial commitment to security, but they also underscore the need to consider more efficient and cost-effective approaches.
“Resources often diverted to combat insecurity could be more prudently invested in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are fundamental to national well-being.”