ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria increased its military expenditure to $2.1 billion in 2025, marking a 55 per cent rise from the previous year, according to a new report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
The findings place Nigeria among the countries with the fastest growth in defence spending globally, as governments across sub-Saharan Africa respond to mounting internal security challenges.
Increase Linked to Security Pressures
Data from the report shows that Nigeria’s defence budget rose from about $1.35 billion in 2024 to $2.1 billion in 2025.
The increase comes amid persistent security concerns, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and broader communal and separatist tensions.
“Nigeria’s military expenditure rose by 55% to $2.1 billion in 2025 against the backdrop of the worsening security situation in the country linked to insurgencies and extremist violence,” the report said.
The surge in spending positions Nigeria as the second-largest military spender in sub-Saharan Africa, behind South Africa.
Regional Spending Trends
Across sub-Saharan Africa, total military expenditure reached $23.3 billion in 2025, representing a 7.4 per cent increase compared with the previous year. Over a longer period, spending in the region has grown by 21 per cent since 2016.
“Military expenditure in sub-Saharan Africa totalled $23.3 billion in 2025, up by 7.4% compared with 2024 and 21% more than in 2016.
“The year-on-year increase was largely driven by higher spending in Nigeria, the second largest spender in the subregion,” the report stated.
While Nigeria recorded a significant rise, South Africa, the region’s largest spender, reduced its military budget slightly by 1.2 per cent to $3.2 billion, continuing a longer-term downward trend.
Continental and Global Context
Military spending across Africa reached $58.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 8.5 per cent from the previous year and 45 per cent higher than in 2016.
North African countries accounted for a substantial share of the total, with Algeria leading at $25.4 billion.
Globally, defence expenditure climbed to $2.887 trillion in 2025, marking the 11th consecutive year of growth and the highest level recorded.
However, the pace of increase slowed to 2.9 per cent, compared with 9.7 per cent in 2024.
The five largest military spenders — the United States, China, Russia, Germany and India — accounted for 58 per cent of global defence expenditure.
Broader Implications
The report indicates that rising defence allocations in Nigeria reflect a shift in fiscal priorities towards addressing security concerns, even as the country faces wider economic pressures.
Separate data cited in earlier reporting indicated that Nigeria’s military aircraft fleet stood at 159 units in 2026, ranking 54th globally, according to the Global Firepower Military Aircraft Fleet Strength report.
