The Federal Ministry of Works has proposed to spend over N500m in the 2026 fiscal year on empowerment programmes including the training of hairdressers and make-up artists, distribution of grinding machines, motorcycles and mini-vans, as well as anti-drug abuse campaigns across several states of the federation.
Details of the controversial allocations are contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill obtained from the Budget Office of the Federation on Thursday.
A breakdown of the document shows that the projects, spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, are largely constituency-based and fall outside the traditional mandate of the Ministry of Works, which is responsible for federal roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.
Under budget item code ERGP 12234747, the ministry earmarked N35m for the purchase and distribution of grinding machines to women in Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency in Delta State, South-South Nigeria.
Another N35m is set aside for the training and empowerment of women in hairdressing, make-up and soap production in Mikang/Shandam/Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the North-Central zone.
In the North-East, the ministry plans to spend N70m on skills acquisition and the provision of trade equipment for youths, women and seven retirees in the Inyamaltu/Deba area of Gombe State.
Similarly, N70m has been proposed for the supply of mini pick-up vans, mini shuttle buses and motorcycles to constituents in Abakaliki Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, in the South-East.
The budget also includes funds for training, sensitisation, advocacy and youth empowerment programmes against drug abuse in Zamfara State, North-West Nigeria, alongside several other empowerment projects tied to specific constituencies nationwide.
The inclusion of these social intervention projects in the Works Ministry’s budget has triggered public debate, with critics questioning the rationale behind assigning empowerment schemes to a ministry grappling with Nigeria’s massive road infrastructure deficit.
Observers argue that such allocations further blur the line between constituency projects and core ministerial responsibilities, at a time when many federal highways remain in deplorable condition due to funding constraints.
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