The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) are set to spend a total of ₦2 billion in 2025 for the fueling of their operational vehicles, as outlined in the proposed appropriation bill submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. This budget allocation was revealed in a detailed examination of the budgetary provisions made for various security agencies in the country, underscoring the government's focus on maintaining operational readiness and addressing security challenges throughout the nation.
On December 18, 2024, President Tinubu presented a ₦47.90 trillion national budget to the National Assembly, which was labeled the “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace and Rebuilding Prosperity.” This budget places a strong emphasis on national defense and security, with an allocation of ₦4.91 trillion specifically earmarked for these sectors. The significant allocation demonstrates the administration's commitment to addressing Nigeria's ongoing security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime that have plagued various regions of the country.
In the proposed budget, the EFCC has set aside ₦808.7 million for fuel, allowing the commission to power its operational vehicles to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes, a responsibility that requires substantial mobility across various regions. Additionally, the EFCC plans to allocate ₦462 million for refreshments and meals, a provision that highlights the ongoing operational costs required to run such a significant government body effectively.
Meanwhile, the DSS, which plays a key role in national security and intelligence gathering, has earmarked a much larger sum of ₦1.37 billion for the fueling of its vehicles. The DSS, like the EFCC, relies heavily on its mobility to carry out its operations effectively, from intelligence gathering to responding to national security threats. In addition to vehicle fuel, the DSS also plans to spend ₦1.4 million on tactical counter-terrorism equipment as part of its continued efforts to bolster its capacity to combat terrorism and other forms of violent extremism in Nigeria.
Further, the proposed budget reflects an emphasis on acquiring advanced technology and equipment to strengthen Nigeria's security infrastructure. For example, ₦1.4 billion has been allocated for the procurement of arms and ammunition, and another ₦1.1 billion is set aside for the purchase of advanced cybersecurity tools to counter digital threats and cybercrime. These investments demonstrate the administration’s recognition of the evolving nature of security threats, particularly in the digital realm where cybercrime has become a growing concern worldwide.
Looking at the broader security expenditure in the 2025 budget, the DSS, along with other agencies under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is set to receive a substantial ₦960 billion in total. This sum is aimed at maintaining national defense aircraft, procuring necessary security equipment, and enhancing the overall defense infrastructure across various sectors. These efforts are designed to ensure that Nigeria's security agencies are equipped with the necessary resources to tackle both traditional and emerging security challenges effectively. The budget reflects the administration’s prioritization of national security, underscoring the government's focus on building a secure environment for citizens to thrive in the coming years.
