Civic accountability organization Tracka has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 budget, revealing that allocations for luxury vehicles and empowerment programmes total almost N1 trillion more than the combined budgets of seven key federal ministries.

Following a review of the 2026 budget proposal, the group said the government plans to spend N15.13 billion on the purchase of 39 sport utility vehicles (SUVs), while N947.7 billion has been earmarked for 2,579 empowerment projects nationwide.

According to Tracka, the combined allocation of N962.83 billion exceeds the N960.27 billion budgeted for seven ministries, including Trade and Investment, Housing, Women Affairs, Justice, Livestock Development, Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Petroleum.

The organisation said the spending pattern raises concerns about government priorities at a time when the country faces significant economic and social challenges.

Tracka also questioned the transparency of the proposed empowerment programmes, noting that only 70 of the 2,579 projects have clearly identified implementation locations. It argued that the absence of location details makes it difficult for citizens, oversight bodies and taxpayers to monitor the projects or verify how the funds will be used.

The group further observed that the projects are distributed across 184 government agencies, many of which do not have statutory responsibilities for implementing empowerment programmes.

Among the agencies identified are one linked to a river basin authority, which is expected to oversee 393 projects valued at N127.1 billion, the National Agricultural Development Fund with six projects worth N89.5 billion, another state development-related agency handling 216 projects valued at N88.1 billion, and a separate agency responsible for 94 projects worth N36.9 billion.

While acknowledging that properly designed empowerment programmes can improve the livelihoods of vulnerable Nigerians, Tracka warned that poorly managed schemes risk becoming channels for political patronage instead of delivering measurable public benefits.

The organisation stressed that transparent project locations, clearly defined beneficiary selection criteria and implementation by agencies with the appropriate legal mandate are essential to maintaining public confidence in such programmes.

Tracka also pointed to the country’s fiscal outlook, noting that the proposed 2026 budget carries an estimated deficit of about 46 percent, meaning a significant portion of government spending will be financed through borrowing.

Given the country’s fiscal constraints, the organisation argued that every public expenditure should be tied to projects with clear, measurable outcomes and strong accountability mechanisms.