The Joint Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on Air Force have rejected the 2026 budget proposal of the Nigerian Air Force, describing it as inadequate to address prevailing security challenges in the country.

Chairmen of the committees, Senator Osita Ngwu and Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, announced the decision during a joint session on the 2025 budget performance and the 2026 estimates, saying the allocation fell short of the financial requirements needed to sustain operations against insurgency, banditry and other threats.

The lawmakers resolved to set up a six-member technical committee to engage the Federal Government, the Budget Office of the Federation and the leadership of the National Assembly to develop a more realistic funding framework and facilitate the re-presentation of an improved budget.

Rurum said the Air Force required substantial funding to prepare adequately for security operations nationwide, adding that the committee would liaise with relevant stakeholders to ensure adequate provisions for effective service delivery.

Earlier, the Air Force requested ₦300.8 billion for personnel costs against ₦229.9 billion proposed, ₦138.7 billion for overhead against ₦66.6 billion, and ₦230.7 billion for capital expenditure compared to ₦110.7 billion in the draft budget, citing the need to boost operational readiness, infrastructure, equipment procurement and personnel welfare.

The committees reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring adequate funding for the Air Force to effectively safeguard national security.