The Federal Ministry of Works has proposed spending over ₦500 million on various empowerment and awareness programmes, including training for hairdressers and make-up artists, distribution of grinding machines, motorcycles and mini-vans, as well as anti-drug abuse campaigns across selected states.
The proposed expenditures are contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill published on the Budget Office website and reviewed on Thursday.
A breakdown of the budget shows that the projects are spread across different geopolitical zones.
Under budget item code ERGP 12234747, the ministry plans to spend ₦35 million to provide grinding machines to women in Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency in the South-South.
Another ₦35 million is earmarked for training and empowering women in hairdressing, make-up and soap production in Mikang/Shandam/Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the North-Central zone.
The document also allocates ₦70 million for skills acquisition and the provision of trade equipment to youths, women and seven retirees in the Inyamaltu/Deba area of Gombe State in the North-East.
In the South-East, ₦70 million is proposed for the supply of mini pick-up vans, mini shuttle buses and motorcycles to constituents in Abakaliki Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State.
Additionally, funds have been set aside for training, sensitisation, advocacy and youth empowerment programmes aimed at combating drug abuse in Zamfara State in the North-West, alongside several other constituency-based projects.
The inclusion of these empowerment initiatives in the Federal Ministry of Works’ 2026 budget has generated public debate, with questions being raised about whether such spending aligns with the ministry’s core responsibilities.