The Federal Government has allocated ₦962.83 billion for empowerment projects and the procurement of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in the 2026 Appropriation Act, according to an analysis by civic technology organisation, Tracka.

Tracka’s review of the budget showed that the allocation comprises ₦947.70 billion for 2,579 empowerment projects and ₦15.13 billion for the procurement of 39 SUVs.

The organisation noted that the combined allocation exceeds 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 raised concerns over the transparency of the empowerment projects, stating that only 70 of the 2,579 projects have clearly identified implementation locations.

“How can citizens track projects with no stated location? How can oversight institutions verify implementation? How can taxpayers know who ultimately benefits from these allocations?” the organisation queried.

According to Tracka, the projects are spread across 184 implementing agencies, including institutions whose statutory responsibilities do not ordinarily include empowerment programmes.

Among the largest allocations are ₦89.09 billion for the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme under the National Agricultural Development Fund, and ₦14 billion each for economic empowerment initiatives through the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, youth empowerment programmes under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and youth empowerment and medical outreach under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

While acknowledging that empowerment programmes can improve livelihoods when properly implemented, Tracka warned that poorly defined projects risk becoming vehicles for political patronage rather than delivering measurable public benefits.

The organisation also linked its concerns to the country’s fiscal position, noting that the 2026 budget projects a deficit of about 46 per cent and will be financed largely through borrowing.

According to the budget, total expenditure stands at ₦68.32 trillion, while projected revenue is ₦36.87 trillion, leaving a ₦31.46 trillion fiscal deficit. The government’s borrowing plan for 2026 has also been increased to ₦29.20 trillion.

Economists who spoke on the development urged the Federal Government to prioritise investments with measurable economic impact, strengthen transparency in budget implementation and ensure that empowerment programmes support domestic production and job creation rather than increase imports.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also called on the Federal Government to account for what he described as an estimated ₦7.98 trillion oil revenue windfall, questioning the need for increased domestic borrowing despite higher-than-budgeted crude oil prices.