Speaker, House of Representatives Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila says the house will continue to provide the legislative framework to increase funding for the Nigerian armed forces to improve capability and efficiency.
Mr. Gbajabiamila stated this in Abuja at a one-day public hearing on the Armed Forces Support Trust Fund Bill 2021 being considered by the National Assembly.
Represented by the House Leader, Alhaji Ado Doguwa, the Speaker expressed concern that less than 10% of the Armed Forces Annual Budget is spent on capital projects, describing it as inadequate.
The Chairman House Committee on Defence, Mr. Babajimi Benson said the bill was to explore alternative sources of funding for the Armed Forces to upgrade equipment and infrastructure that would position them to be more effective in securing the nation.
While reiterating the commitment of the House to the security of the nation, Mr. Benson said Nigeria should expect a better outcome when the bill scale through. According to him, Nigeria occupies 4th position on Africa defence spending with $2.6 billion spent on its armed forces in 2020.
RN