The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has lamented that the current administration inherited a bankrupt country that was responsible for the budgetary constraints.
According to him, the revenue generated by the Bola Tinubu-led administration is being used to repay what was taken from the country.
The NSA stated this on Monday in Abuja at the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2023.
Ribadu, however, said despite the financial constraint that has affected budgetary allocations, the Federal Government would do everything within its power to ensure that there is a robust and viable defence management and apparatus 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.”