Reps seek increased capital budget for Army, call for local production of weapons

The House of Representatives has called for an increase of capital projects allocations for the Nigerian Army and has urged the army to also look towards the local manufacturing of weapons and vehicles to fight insecurity in the country. This was stated by the Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Hon. Abdulrazaq Namdas, during the 2021 budget defence for the Nigerian Army at the National Assembly.

Abdulrazaq Namdas disclosed that the overall budget for the Army in 2020 is was 463 billion naira, with the capital allocation just 34 billion and the projection for 2021 just 27 billion which is a really low figure because of the security situation in the country. He therefore called for larger capital projects allocation in the Army’s budget.

He said the rise of and the fight against boko Haram, banditry, cattle rustling, vandalism and kidnapping shows the Nigerian army has more on its hands. he said if the funds were not increased, it might strengthen the resolve of its enemies when they hear the amount allocated to the Military.

The Chairman also urged the Army to look towards the local production of local weapons and vehicles to fight insurgency. He said “A lot needs to be done in the Nigerian Army, beginning from the central engineering depot which is meant for the production of local weapons and vehicles.

They commended the army for their professionalism in putting their lives on the line and promised improved welfare for the personnels who risk their lives in service of their country, starting with all the funds given to the army. Meanwhile, the Army, represented by Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, in the Budget defence added that capital project allocations so far have been used to upgrade infrastructure and training. And assured Nigerians of the dedication of the military in fighting insurgency.