The Federal Government has allocated ₦962.83 billion for the purchase of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and empowerment projects in the 2026 Appropriation Act, drawing criticism over spending priorities amid rising public debt and increased borrowing.
The allocation includes ₦15.13 billion for the procurement of 39 SUVs and ₦947.70 billion for 2,579 empowerment projects across the country.
According to an analysis by civic technology organisation Tracka, the allocation is higher than the combined budgets of seven federal ministries, including the Ministries of Industry, Housing, Women Affairs, Justice, Livestock Development, Aviation and Petroleum Resources.
Tracka also raised concerns over transparency, noting that only 70 of the 2,579 empowerment projects have clearly identified locations. The organisation said the lack of project locations makes it difficult for citizens and oversight agencies to monitor implementation and ensure accountability.
The report further revealed that hundreds of empowerment projects were assigned to agencies such as the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, the National Agricultural Development Fund and the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, with allocations running into tens of billions of naira.
Major projects include the ₦89.09 billion Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme, as well as several youth empowerment, medical outreach and equipment distribution initiatives.
While acknowledging that empowerment programmes can improve livelihoods, Tracka warned that poorly defined projects risk becoming tools for political patronage if they lack transparency, clear beneficiaries and measurable outcomes.
The concerns come as the Federal Government plans to finance a significant portion of the 2026 budget through borrowing, with the proposed borrowing plan increased to ₦29.20 trillion.
Economists also questioned the spending pattern, urging the government to prioritise investments in infrastructure, local production and human capital development to achieve stronger long term economic growth.
