Nigeria’s 2026 Appropriation Act has come under fresh scrutiny after civic technology organization Tracka revealed that the Federal Government allocated ₦962.83 billion for the procurement of 39 Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and 2,579 empowerment projects—an amount that exceeds the combined budgets of seven key federal ministries.
According to Tracka’s budget review, ₦15.13 billion has been earmarked for the purchase of 39 SUVs, while ₦947.70 billion is set aside for empowerment projects across various government agencies. The group, however, raised concerns that only 70 of the 2,579 projects have clearly identified implementation locations, making it difficult for citizens to track or monitor how the funds will be spent.
Tracka noted that the combined allocation is higher than the ₦960.27 billion budgeted for seven federal ministries, including Industry, Trade and Investment; Housing; Women Affairs; Justice; Livestock Development; Aviation; and Petroleum Resources. The organization warned that assigning projects to agencies without clear implementation mandates could weaken transparency and accountability.
The findings have sparked widespread debate, particularly as Nigeria continues to grapple with inflation, rising public debt and fiscal pressures. Economists say public confidence in government spending depends not only on the size of allocations but also on whether projects are transparent, measurable and address pressing national needs.
Tracka has called on the Federal Government to publish detailed project locations, responsible implementing agencies and measurable performance indicators to improve oversight and ensure taxpayers can monitor how public funds are utilized. The budget review has reignited conversations about spending priorities as Nigerians weigh the balance between empowerment programs, administrative costs and investments in critical sectors.
