President Bola Tinubu has deducted N500bn directly from May 2026 FAAC federation revenue before sharing to create an urgent national security emergency fund amid bandit attacks. The decisive internal move aims to bolster operations against widespread insecurity
In Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration deducted about N500 billion directly from the May 2026 Federation Account Allocation Committee revenue before any distribution to the federal, state, and local governments, establishing a national security emergency intervention fund to confront relentless bandit attacks and other threats.
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The deduction formed part of pre-distribution adjustments to the gross federation revenue, according to multiple senior officials familiar with the FAAC proceedings.
One source stated plainly that “FAAC deducted N500bn for national security emergency fund this month,” with commissioners of finance from the 36 states fully aware and in support.
This adjustment contributed to the difference between the total gross revenue of N3.395 trillion and the N2.30 trillion eventually shared among the three tiers of government.
The official FAAC communiqué listed broader deductions under transfers and refunds totalling N971.610 billion, within which the security allocation sat alongside other items such as a N250 billion Military Intervention Fund and infrastructure provisions.
The decision arrives amid Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. Banditry and mass kidnappings continue to devastate communities in the North-West, alongside insurgency in the North-East, farmer-herder violence in the North-Central zone, separatist tensions in the South-East, and oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Successive annual defence budgets running into hundreds of billions have yet to fully stem the tide of attacks on villages, abductions for ransom, and strikes on security outposts.
President Tinubu has consistently positioned national security as a foundation for economic recovery and stability.
Since assuming office in May 2023, his government has increased funding for the armed forces, procured additional military hardware, and emphasised intelligence-driven operations.
The new Tinubu N500bn security fund draws from existing federation resources rather than imposing fresh taxes or levies, enabling faster deployment for priorities such as troop welfare, equipment procurement, surveillance, and recruitment of additional personnel including forest guards.
Economists have largely endorsed the initiative. Dr Ayo Teriba, Chief Executive Officer of Economic Associates, told The PUNCH that obvious funding gaps justified the move. “Everybody agreed that not enough is being done on security, not enough is being spent on security,” he said, adding that sourcing the money internally from FAAC before sharing was a practical choice that should attract broad acceptance, provided spending remains transparent.
Professor Akpan Ekpo of the University of Uyo described security as indispensable for attracting investment and driving growth.
He viewed the dedicated emergency fund as a positive step if efficiently managed and accountable, though he noted that previous large allocations had not always produced the desired outcomes.
In parallel developments, the Department of State Services opposed foreign funding provisions in a proposed Security Trust Fund bill. Emmanuel Duabry, speaking at a House of Representatives public hearing, warned that external donations could compromise sovereignty, operational secrecy, and independence. He recommended limiting contributions to local sources only.
The allocation also complements ongoing operational enhancements, including the redeployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to all six geopolitical zones for closer field coordination.
This N500 billion deduction from FAAC revenue underscores the Tinubu administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity more forcefully.
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Its success will ultimately hinge on transparent management and tangible reductions in violence, offering much-needed relief to communities that have endured years of fear and disruption.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
