The Federal Government’s 2026 Appropriation Act allocates about N962.83 billion for the purchase of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and a wide range of empowerment initiatives, prompting scrutiny amid a borrowing-heavy fiscal outlook. Reporting across sources indicates the funding includes N15.13 billion for procuring 39 SUVs and about N947.70 billion for 2,579 empowerment projects. Tracka’s analysis also shows the combined allocation for SUVs and empowerment exceeds the combined budget figures of seven federal ministries, underscoring the scale of the line item in the overall budget.
Transparency and implementation details draw additional criticism. Tracka notes only 70 of the 2,579 empowerment projects clearly state implementation locations, while the initiatives are spread across 184 implementing agencies, including some without a clear statutory mandate. Examples cited include projects under institutions such as the Federal Cooperative College, the National Agricultural Development Fund, and the Federal College of Horticulture.
The concerns are heightened by the budget’s projected deficit (about 46%) and revised debt financing of about N29.20 trillion. Economists argue the spending priorities may require clearer targeting and stronger alignment with locally produced goods.
