- Tracka raised concerns over N962bn allocated for SUVs and empowerment projects in the 2026 budget
- The group questioned the transparency and locations of many empowerment programmes
- Experts urged government to prioritise productive investments over unclear spending
The Federal Government has allocated N962.83bn for the purchase of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and empowerment programmes in the 2026 budget, a civic organisation, Tracka, has said.
According to Tracka’s review of the appropriation document, Eko Hot Blog reports that N15.13bn was set aside for 39 SUVs, while N947.70bn was allocated for 2,579 empowerment projects.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Tinubu Approves Army Expansion, Recruitment of 28,000 Personnel
- Aregbesola Claims Record as First Nigerian Governor to Serve Eight Years Without Owning a House
- Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA Commissions Fully Equipped NSCDC Divisional Headquarters, Donates Patrol Vehicle and Motorcycle to Boost Security
The organisation noted that the combined amount was higher than the total allocations to seven federal ministries, including Industry, Trade and Investment; Housing; Women Affairs; Justice; Livestock Development; Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Petroleum Resources.
Tracka raised concerns over the transparency of the empowerment projects, stating that only 70 of the 2,579 projects had clearly stated locations.
The group questioned how citizens and oversight bodies could monitor projects without details on where they would be executed and who would benefit from them.
It also revealed that the projects were assigned to 184 government agencies, including institutions whose main responsibilities do not traditionally cover empowerment schemes.
Tracka identified the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, as one of the major beneficiaries, receiving 393 projects worth N127.1bn, while the National Agricultural Development Fund got six projects valued at N89.5bn.
The organisation said empowerment programmes could support citizens when properly planned but warned that poorly managed schemes could become tools for political patronage.
It urged the government to ensure that budget allocations have clear purposes, locations, beneficiaries and measurable outcomes.
The group also expressed concern over the country’s rising debt obligations, noting that the 2026 budget is expected to be financed largely through borrowing.
Tracka argued that public funds should be directed towards projects with clear economic benefits rather than allocations that are difficult for citizens to track.
Economists who reacted to the development advised the government to focus more on infrastructure, local production and human capital development.
They warned that spending heavily on imported empowerment items could limit the impact on Nigeria’s economy by creating jobs and economic opportunities outside the country.
The experts stressed that empowerment programmes should prioritise locally made products and support sustainable economic growth.
FURTHER READING
