N525bn Budgeted By States For Security Between 2023–2025 Amid Rising Violence
Across Nigeria, states set aside a total of N525.23 billion for security votes and related operations from 2023 to 2025, according to an analysis of approved state budgets compiled on Open States, a BudgIT-backed platform for government financial data.
The significant allocations, aimed at boosting security nationwide, raise questions about their effectiveness, as citizens continue to face kidnappings, robberies, and other violent crimes.
While the Federal Government is constitutionally responsible for protecting lives and property, the growing insecurity has prompted several state governors to implement their own security measures. Yet, these interventions have largely failed to curb criminal activities, leaving communities at risk.
The analysis covered 32 states, excluding Gombe, Kebbi, Niger, and Yobe, which did not disclose clear figures for security votes. Ekiti also did not specify allocations for 2025, suggesting the actual total may exceed N525.23 billion over the three years.
A year-on-year review shows that states budgeted N150.47 billion in 2023, N164.07 billion in 2024, and N210.68 billion in 2025—a sharp 28.4% rise from 2024 to 2025, reflecting the increasing prioritisation of security votes.
Borno State accounted for the largest share at N57.40 billion over the period, driven by ongoing counterinsurgency operations. Anambra followed with N42.57 billion, Delta N38.44 billion, and Benue N36.87 billion, showing steady increases each year. Other top spenders included Ondo (N31.72 billion), Zamfara (N31.40 billion), Edo (N29.21 billion), Adamawa (N27.00 billion), and Bauchi (N25.41 billion).
Conversely, some states reported minimal allocations, with Rivers at N210 million, Akwa Ibom N624 million, and Ekiti only N3.1 million, highlighting wide disparities in spending priorities or reporting practices.
Regional analysis shows the North East leading with N113.78 billion (excluding Gombe and Yobe), followed by the South East at N102.59 billion, South South at N98.36 billion, North Central at N76.57 billion, North West at N70.77 billion (excluding Kebbi), and the South West at N63.16 billion.
Despite these large budgets, insecurity continues to worsen, prompting criticism from analysts and civil society. Critics argue that security votes are often shrouded in secrecy, raising suspicions that funds may serve as political war chests or enrich officials rather than improve public safety.
Jamilu Charanchi, National Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Groups, questioned the utility of security votes, noting that despite billions allocated, citizens still face poor roads, failing hospitals, unreliable electricity, and limited access to education. He argued that poverty drives insecurity, a situation from which some governors benefit.
President Bola Tinubu, speaking at a security conference, highlighted the need for well-governed states to manage internal challenges without over-reliance on federal agencies. He emphasised that dysfunctional local governments contribute to developmental setbacks and weaken the country’s ability to tackle security threats. He further suggested community policing as a potential solution, noting that local governments are closest to communities and best positioned to respond effectively.
In December 2025, organised labour also called on state and local governments to take more responsibility for curbing insecurity. Funmi Sessi, Chairperson of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), stressed that insecurity now affects daily life and economic activity, urging governments to ensure visible results. NLC Vice Chairman Olapisi Ido added that despite receiving security allocations, states and LGAs have failed to translate funding into meaningful action. Labour advocates for greater investment in intelligence, community engagement, surveillance, and rapid-response mechanisms to protect citizens.
