The Senate on Wednesday condemned the envelope budgeting system for security and intelligence agencies, urging the National Assembly to ensure adequate funding for the sector in the 2026 budget.

The criticism came during the budget defence session of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North), described the current allocation framework as “disheartening,” saying it does not reflect the real needs of the intelligence community.

“Non-release or partial release of capital funds in the 2024 and 2025 budgets has negatively impacted their capacity to procure modern equipment and carry out critical operations,” Abdullahi said.

He stressed that adequate funding remained essential to safeguard the nation, its citizens, and property.

The lawmaker also criticised heads of federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies for habitual lateness to budget defence sessions, singling out former senators and lawmakers now serving in executive positions as frequent offenders.

He, however, commended the punctuality of leaders of national security and intelligence agencies.

Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the National Security Adviser, Mohammed Sanusi, outlined the intelligence community’s priorities for 2026.

According to him, the focus will include combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping through enhanced intelligence gathering and community-based strategies.

Sanusi noted that the envelope system constrained operations in 2025, citing irregular releases of overhead costs, non-implementation of capital appropriations and gaps in funding for foreign service personnel.

He called for adequate allocations in the 2026 budget and supplementary provisions to ensure timely responses to security challenges.

“The recent declaration of a state of emergency on national security underscores the urgent need for proper funding,” Sanusi said.