UNDP, Civil Society Groups Advocate for Increased Armed Forces Funding

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have issued a call to the federal government, advocating for increased budgetary allocation and prioritisation of funds for the nation's armed forces and other security apparatus.

While acknowledging the prompt responses of security agencies in addressing national security concerns, the UNDP and CSOs stressed the importance of the Minister of Finance, Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Accountant General of the Federation ensuring the swift release of funds to the Nigerian Army and paramilitary services. Particular emphasis was placed on expediting payments of outstanding and future financial obligations.

They further posited that such timely financial support is crucial for bolstering the economy through a stable security sector.

The groups expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and his team in managing the country's economic challenges but highlighted the critical need for enhanced attention to security personnel.

The UNDP, through its Peace-building and Conflict Prevention and Rule of Law cluster operating under the North-east and North-west Prevention Facility, reiterated its appeal to the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation to treat funding for the armed forces as a matter of high priority.

The organisation noted that beyond the persistent Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east, the North-west region has witnessed a substantial rise in conflicts. These are largely fuelled by inter-communal disputes between herders and farmers, competition for resources, ethnic tensions, and the prevalence of banditry and organised criminal activities.

These prevailing security issues have unfortunately led to loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant socio-economic disruption.

Security experts have pointed to delays in financial support for the armed forces as a contributing factor to the ongoing challenges.

A statement attributed to the UNDP indicated that "One thing is certain, the coordinating minister of economy, and minister of finance, Mr. Wale Edun is adhering strictly to the tenets of empirical micro and macro-economics, solely aimed at reshaping the Nigerian economy. This has gained Nigeria enormous respect before the Bretton Woods Institutions and international community at large as a result."

The statement continued, "Having been appointed to Chair the African Governor’s forum of the World Bank, which marks the first time Nigeria has assumed the role of Chairman in 60 years. It is only valid to live up to impeccable expectations."

However, experts have also argued that while implementing crucial economic policies such as reducing cash in circulation to control inflation—key indicators for sustainable economic growth in Nigeria—is vital, equally important is ensuring that critical sectors like the armed forces and security services receive adequate funding to safeguard national security and protect lives and property.

"Keynesian have passed a vote of confidence in the Wale Edun and Yemi Cardoso’s stewardship of the economy, during this very challenging economic times."

"The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is also pleased to announce this call for proposals inviting interested organisations to submit grant proposals for conflict prevention initiatives in the North east and North-west region of Nigeria to support the good works of the Nigerian army."

This initiative aims to address the escalating conflicts and bolster peace- building and rule of law efforts within the West African region.