The resurgence and transformation of Boko Haram into a terror organisation in 2010 presented the Nigerian state with multidimensional security challenges never anticipated. In a bid to reassert its political authority and counter the terror activities of the Boko Haram jihadist group, the government was pushed into a difficult fiscal dilemma. Naturally, anti-terrorism measures require resources, and the medium through which funds are appropriated to counter-terrorism interventions is the budgeting system. The security imperative to neutralise Boko Haram distorted the government's public expenditure composition due to increased security funding. It has dramatically increased defence expenditure at the expense of other important sectors necessary for human development. Heavy security sector funding created a war economy, which prolonged the conflict's duration. The paper argued that the state needs to address endemic issues of the conflict, such as implementing a massive development strategy for the north, providing well-trained and equipped troops, and ensuring transparent expenditure.
Joseph Onwuamaeze Megwalu (Wed,) studied this question.