Nigeria’s Defence Spending Jumps 55% to $2.1bn
Nigeria’s military expenditure rose sharply by 55 percent to reach approximately $2.1 billion in 2025, according to new data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The report highlights Nigeria as one of the fastest-growing military spenders in Africa, with the increase driven largely by worsening insecurity across the country.
SIPRI noted that the surge in spending is linked to ongoing security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and extremist violence, which have continued to strain Nigeria’s defence architecture.
Across Africa, total military expenditure rose to $58.2 billion in 2025, representing an 8.5 percent increase from the previous year. Nigeria played a significant role in this rise, emerging as one of the top contributors in sub-Saharan Africa.
Despite the increase, Nigeria’s military spending remains relatively modest compared to global powers. For instance, the United States alone spent over $950 billion within the same period, underscoring the wide gap in global defence capacity.
Analysts say the upward trend reflects a broader global pattern, as countries ramp up military investments in response to rising geopolitical tensions and internal security threats.
However, concerns persist over whether increased spending will translate into improved security outcomes, as Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent violence in several regions.
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