FG Proposes N5bn for Safe Schools Amid Fund Scrutiny

The Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed an additional N5 billion for the Safe Schools initiative in the 2026 budget, amidst ongoing scrutiny from the National Assembly regarding the program's effectiveness and allegations of mismanagement of funds. This proposal comes at a time when lawmakers are intensifying their examination of the initiative, particularly in light of continued school attacks, including a recent abduction of students in Kebbi State.

The Safe Schools initiative was launched in 2014 following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, aimed at enhancing security in high-risk communities. However, security experts like Oladel Fajana and Jackson Ojo have raised concerns about the proper utilization of funds and the impact of corruption on security efforts.

The Federal Government plans to spend approximately N144.7 billion on the initiative from 2023 to 2026, with various allocations for security agencies, yet doubts remain about the program's effectiveness in achieving its objectives.