Nigeria Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1960–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$2.2 billion
Ranked #63 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
0.7%
Ranked #140 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.7%
From $2.1B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$8.1 billion
Reached in 1975
Nigeria Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Nigeria is estimated to have spent $2.2 billion on military and defense, representing 0.7% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Nigeria is the #63 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.7%, from $2.1 billion to $2.2 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 10.3% in 1969. The historical average military budget is 1.9% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 0.70% | $2,188M |
| 2025(estimate) | 0.70% | $2,089M |
| 2024 | 0.56% | $1,989M |
| 2023 | 0.84% | $3,101M |
| 2022 | 0.65% | $2,575M |
| 2021 | 1.01% | $4,147M |
| 2020 | 0.63% | $2,652M |
| 2019 | 0.46% | $2,060M |
| 2018 | 0.51% | $2,246M |
| 2017 | 0.43% | $1,903M |
| 2016 | 0.43% | $1,990M |
| 2015 | 0.42% | $2,061M |
| 2014 | 0.41% | $2,113M |
| 2013 | 0.47% | $2,324M |
| 2012 | 0.50% | $2,417M |
| 2011 | 0.58% | $2,744M |
| 2010 | 0.54% | $2,465M |
| 2009 | 0.51% | $2,099M |
| 2008 | 0.49% | $2,020M |
| 2007 | 0.37% | $1,438M |