By Festus Fifen

Former Senate President and ex-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan, has called for a fixed percentage of Nigeria’s revenue to be set aside to fund the Armed Forces and other security agencies, so they can acquire more platforms and weapons.

Lawan spoke in Abuja on Monday in a goodwill message at the third edition of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) event, themed “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security.”

He said the National Assembly has consistently backed the military through budget approvals. In more than 27 years as a lawmaker, he said, he had never seen an executive request for the Armed Forces or security agencies turned down, adding that such requests were often approved with more.

In his words, “Security is first,” he said, noting that the security and welfare of citizens is the essence of government under the Constitution.

With government revenues improving, Lawan argued, Nigeria should buy platforms and weapons in bulk and ring-fence part of its resources for the security sector. “You cannot send someone to go out and fight with little and of course expect much success,” he said, while commending the troops for doing well despite limited resources.

He also disclosed that the National Assembly is considering placing the budgets of the Armed Forces and security agencies on first-line charge, a step he said would address delays in budget releases.

Lawan urged journalists to inform Nigerians about the work of security agencies, insisting that pockets of banditry do not mean the country is totally insecure. “We have moved from where we were to a better situation now, but we can make this far better,” he said.

On his part, The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, described defence reporting as demanding work that requires courage, sound judgement and a clear grasp of the responsibility of covering military operations and the sacrifices of uniformed personnel.

He said military operations must be backed by reliable intelligence, modern technology, coordination among security agencies and community cooperation. He added that the conditions allowing criminal groups to recruit and operate must also be addressed.

According to the minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration places national security at the centre of national development and has pursued modernisation of the Armed Forces, intelligence-led operations, improved surveillance and stronger inter-agency coordination.

He said that in August 2026, the President directed the preparation of a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a rolling five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan to improve coordination, set clear priorities and guide resource deployment.

The President also approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Armed Forces personnel, effective September 2026, the minister said, noting that those who risk their lives for the country deserve appropriate support.

“These efforts must continue to produce results that Nigerians can feel: safer communities, more secure roads, protection for farmers and businesses, and the freedom for children to attend school without fear,” he said.