Nigeria’s 2026 Appropriation framework reveals a strong emphasis on national security, governance, infrastructure, and social development, with substantial allocations to the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, and other strategic Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Data released by the Budget Office of the Federation provides insight into how resources are being distributed to address security challenges, economic growth, and public service delivery.
Ministry of Interior: Strengthening Internal Security
The Ministry of Interior received a total allocation of ₦696.42 billion in the 2026 budget, reflecting government’s focus on internal security, border control, public safety, and correctional reforms.
Key allocations include:
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC): ₦244.26 billion
The largest share within the ministry, aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and supporting internal security operations.
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS): ₦200.80 billion
Targeted at improving border management, migration control, and passport services.
Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS): ₦198.85 billion
Designed to enhance prison security, rehabilitation programmes, and custodial infrastructure.
Federal Fire Service: ₦44.29 billion
To strengthen emergency response, fire prevention, and rescue operations nationwide.
Smaller but strategic allocations went to the Ministry’s Headquarters and the Civil Defence, Immigration and Prison Service Board (CIPB), supporting administration and personnel management.
Ministry of Defence: National Security Takes Centre Stage
With a total allocation of ₦3.15 trillion, the Ministry of Defence emerged as one of the highest-funded MDAs in the 2026 budget. Spending is distributed across personnel costs, overheads, and capital projects to enhance operational readiness.
Major Defence Allocations:
Nigerian Army: ₦1.50 trillion
Covers personnel welfare, operational logistics, and capital investments for land-based security operations.
Nigerian Navy: ₦443.92 billion
Focused on maritime security, anti-piracy operations, and protection of Nigeria’s coastal and offshore assets.
Nigerian Air Force: ₦409.15 billion
Supports air power capabilities, surveillance, and counter-insurgency missions.
Defence Headquarters and Agencies: ₦257.01 billion
Allocated to central coordination, intelligence, and strategic defence planning.
Specialised institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Command and Staff College, Jaji, Defence Intelligence Agency, Defence Space Administration, and other training and research bodies also received targeted funding to strengthen capacity building, intelligence gathering, and technological advancement.
2026 Budget by MDAs: Broader National Priorities
Beyond security, the 2026 budget outlines major investments across governance, infrastructure, education, health, and economic development. Notable allocations include:
Federal Ministry of Finance: ₦16.78 trillion
Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning: ₦9.10 trillion
Federal Ministry of Works: ₦3.49 trillion
Federal Ministry of Defence: ₦3.15 trillion
Federal Ministry of Education: ₦2.40 trillion
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare: ₦2.15 trillion
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC): ₦1.01 trillion
Federal Ministry of Police Affairs: ₦1.33 trillion
These allocations highlight government priorities in fiscal management, infrastructure expansion, human capital development, democratic governance, and national security.
What the 2026 Budget Signals
The scale and structure of Nigeria’s 2026 budget underscores a clear policy direction:
Security remains a top priority, with Defence and Interior ministries commanding significant funding.
Economic coordination and fiscal management receive heavy backing through Finance and Budget ministries.
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Social sectors such as education, health, youth development, and humanitarian services also feature prominently, reflecting efforts to balance security spending with development needs.