An Assessment of Defense Budgetary Allocation on Military Operational Capability in Africa

Abstract

This study examined the defense budgetary allocation processes as it affects military operational capability in Africa using Nigeria as a case study. The rise in global insecurity with terrorists groups operating in West and East Africa, the African military must increase their  operational capability if they are to secure the continent so the monetary allocation must increase as the security threats increases. The study adopted a qualitative research approach with the use of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and content analysis of published data on a purposive population. The answer to the research question on the principles and processes of budget allocation and its impact on operational capability showed among others, that it is a governmental driven top-down process from the Budget office of the federation with MDAs not exceeding the total expenditure ceiling. Based on the findings, it was recommended that defense budgets should not be based on ceilings rather it should be based on the contingency of security challenges.

Key Words: Budgets, Budgeting, Defense Budgets and Military Capability.