The Federal Government has allocated ₦962.83 billion for the procurement of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and empowerment projects in the 2026 budget, an amount that exceeds the combined allocations to seven key federal ministries, according to a budget analysis by civic organisation Tracka.
Key Highlights:
- FG budgets ₦962.83bn for SUVs and empowerment projects in the 2026 Appropriation.
- Allocation exceeds the combined budgets of seven federal ministries.
- ₦15.13bn earmarked for 39 SUVs, while ₦947.70bn is allocated to 2,579 empowerment projects.
- Only 70 projects have clearly identified implementation locations.
- Economists warn the spending pattern could weaken confidence in public finance management amid rising government borrowing.
According to Tracka, the allocation consists of ₦15.13 billion for the purchase of 39 SUVs and ₦947.70 billion for the execution of 2,579 empowerment projects across the country.
The civic organisation noted that only 70 of the 2,579 empowerment projects have clearly identified implementation locations, raising concerns about transparency, accountability and effective project monitoring.
Tracka further stated that the allocation is higher than the combined ₦960.27 billion budgeted for the Federal Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Housing; Women Affairs; Justice; Livestock Development; Aviation; and Petroleum Resources.
According to the analysis, the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme received the single largest allocation of ₦89.09 billion among the empowerment initiatives.
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Economists have questioned the spending priorities, warning that such allocations could undermine public confidence in the government’s fiscal management at a time when Nigeria continues to rely heavily on borrowing to finance budget deficits.
They also expressed concern that assigning empowerment projects to agencies without clearly defined implementation mandates, coupled with the absence of specific project locations, could weaken transparency and reduce the effectiveness of public expenditure.
Tracka called for greater openness in budget implementation, urging the government to provide detailed project locations, implementing agencies and measurable performance indicators to improve accountability and public trust.
