The National Assembly Joint Committees on the Nigerian Air Force have officially rejected the proposed 2026 budget for the service, primarily attributing their decision to ongoing security challenges in Nigeria. This occurred during a budget defense session where both Senate and House Committees assessed the Nigerian Air Force's 2025 budget performance alongside the upcoming fiscal year proposals. The seemingly unanimous decision reflects the serious concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the adequacy of the current budget amid worsening security conditions in the country.

Chairman of the Joint Committee on Air Force, Senator Osita Ngwu, underscored that the committee’s decision was made after critical evaluations of the presented estimates concerning Nigeria's current security realities. Lawmakers collectively agreed that the proposed budget did not adequately address the substantial funding needs necessary to combat the escalating insecurity issues faced by the Nigerian state. This rejection highlights the increasing pressure on the Air Force and, by extension, the Nigerian military, to justify their financial and operational requests in light of growing public concerns regarding national safety.

The implications of this rejection are significant as it not only affects the financial allocation to the Nigerian Air Force but potentially hampers military operations aimed at addressing insecurity and protecting citizens. The national legislature's stance reflects a broader sentiment among Nigerian citizens who are calling for more accountability and effective use of military resources to manage escalating violence, particularly from insurgencies and criminal activities. Therefore, the need for a revised budget that convincingly demonstrates how funds will be utilized to enhance security capabilities has become paramount for the Nigerian Air Force in the upcoming fiscal discussions.