National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu expressed concern about the inherited financial challenges, asserting that the current administration grapples with a country in dire financial straits, attributing the situation to past budgetary constraints.
During the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2023 in Abuja on Monday, Ribadu disclosed that the revenue generated during the Bola Tinubu-led administration is being utilized to repay what was previously drawn from the nation’s resources.
Despite the ongoing financial limitations affecting budget allocations, Ribadu affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to exert every effort to ensure the establishment and maintenance of a resilient and effective defense management system in the country.
He said, “I assure you that the Federal Government will not rest on its oars in ensuring a robust and viable defence management and security apparatus to address contemporary challenges even in the face of enormous budgetary constraints.
“Yes, we’re facing budgetary constraints. It is okay for me to tell you. Fine, it is important for you to know that we have inherited a very difficult situation, literally a bankrupt country, no money, to a point where we can say that all the money we’re getting now, we’re paying back what was taken. It is serious!
“But this administration is doing its best to meet our requirements, particularly the armed forces, and I believe that you leaders will be able to testify to that,” the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission told the gathering.”
He also said the armed forces under the current leadership has shown serious commitment to addressing the prevailing security challenges bedeviling the country.
“Let us come together as one and continue to support our armed forces and other security agencies with this work of securing our country for peace and stability.
“They have done an amazingly good job without talking and I believe that with the support and the resolve of the leadership we have today in our country, things will only be better.”
