The Federal Government has earmarked ₦962.83 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act for the purchase of 39 Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and the implementation of 2,579 empowerment projects, according to an analysis by civic technology organisation, Tracka.
The analysis revealed that ₦15.13 billion was allocated for the procurement of 39 SUVs, while ₦947.70 billion was set aside for empowerment programmes across the country. Combined, the allocations exceed the ₦960.27 billion budgeted for seven federal ministries, including Industry, Trade and Investment; Housing and Urban Development; Women Affairs; Justice; Livestock Development; Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Petroleum Resources.
Tracka, however, expressed concern over the transparency of the empowerment projects, noting that only 70 out of the 2,579 projects have clearly identified implementation locations. The organisation warned that the absence of specific locations could make it difficult for citizens and oversight agencies to monitor project execution and ensure accountability.
According to the report, the projects are spread across 184 implementing agencies, including institutions that traditionally do not oversee large-scale empowerment programmes. Among them, the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, received 393 projects valued at ₦127.1 billion, while the National Agricultural Development Fund was assigned six projects worth ₦89.5 billion.
The largest single allocation under the empowerment scheme is ₦89.09 billion for the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme under the National Agricultural Development Fund. Other major provisions include ₦14 billion for the procurement and distribution of empowerment equipment and utility vehicles through the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, as well as separate ₦14 billion allocations for youth empowerment initiatives under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The budget also provides for the distribution of buses, motorcycles, tricycles, electric vehicles, sewing machines, fertilisers, vocational tools and grants.
While acknowledging that empowerment programmes can improve livelihoods and create economic opportunities, Tracka cautioned that poorly defined projects often become channels for political patronage and weaken public confidence in government spending. The organisation called for future budgets to include clear project locations, defined beneficiaries, and implementing agencies with appropriate legal mandates.
Tracka also questioned the scale of the allocations in light of the Federal Government’s growing borrowing plans. It noted that the 2026 budget carries a projected deficit of about 46 per cent, with planned borrowing increasing to ₦29.20 trillion. Total expenditure is estimated at ₦68.32 trillion, while projected revenue stands at ₦36.87 trillion, leaving a fiscal deficit of approximately ₦31.46 trillion.
Economists also weighed in on the spending priorities. Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr. Muda Yusuf, warned that excessive borrowing could threaten Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability. Other analysts urged the government to prioritise investments in infrastructure and locally produced goods over imported vehicles and equipment, arguing that such a strategy would create jobs, boost local industries and deliver more sustainable economic benefits.
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