Trends in Nigeria s Defence Spending, 1986-2006

In this study, an attempt has been made to explain the growth of defence spendings in Nigeria from 1986-2006. The study was motivated by the under-funding of the Nigerian defence sector. There has been a strong debate on the need to reform Nigeria s defence sector. It has been said that no Nigerian institution is in greater need of reform and revitalization than the defence sector. This is because of the important role the sector plays in the Nigerian economy. The inability of the Nigerian defence sector to effectively fulfill the functions expected of it is the major reason for the call for reform. The debate is whether it is the financial constraint or mismanagement that is the main problem of the defence expenditure. Indeed, it has been alleged that financial inadequacy itself was in recent years due to gross mismanagement which in turn constituted a serious hindrance to the fulfillment of the functions assigned to the military. There were anomalies which arose from rising defence expenditure and decaying infrastructure and weapons.