- Matawalle praised the legislative committees for their steadfast support and collaboration
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has called for increased funding to procure modern equipment for the Nigerian Army and security agencies to address banditry and terrorism effectively.
Speaking during the presentation of the 2025 budget proposal to the National Assembly’s joint committees on Thursday, Matawalle described the current budget as insufficient for tackling Nigeria’s modern security challenges.
He highlighted the need for additional Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other equipment, noting that budget constraints in 2024 limited procurement efforts.
Matawalle praised the legislative committees for their steadfast support and collaboration, which he said has significantly aided the ministry’s progress. He expressed optimism that lawmakers would consider increasing the defence budget to enable swift action against insecurity.
In response, committee leaders pledged continued support to achieve the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on security. The minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, and senior ministry officials.
Discussion about this post