Federal Agencies Allocate N400bn for Community Projects

In the 2026 budget, approximately 78 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government have allocated nearly N400bn for the construction and rehabilitation of community facilities, including mosques, traditional rulers’ palaces, and civic centers. More than half of this budget is designated for non-developmental projects, such as supplying grains, motorcycles, and constructing museums.

Notable MDAs involved include the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, and Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, among others. Critics argue that these projects do not address Nigeria's most pressing needs, given the country's fiscal challenges.

Analysts contend that the allocation of funds to numerous small projects detracts from strategic public investment in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. They express concern over the lack of transparency and oversight in these budget items, with some projects, such as village halls and traditional rulers’ palaces, being unrelated to the statutory responsibilities of certain MDAs.