ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal Ministry of Works has proposed to spend more than N500 million in the 2026 fiscal year on empowerment-related projects, including the training of hairdressers and makeup artists, procurement of grinding machines, motorcycles, mini-vans and anti-drug abuse sensitisation programmes across selected states of the federation.
Details of the proposed expenditure are contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill uploaded on the Budget Office of the Federation’s website, which was accessed on Thursday.
A review of the document showed that the items and services were spread across constituencies in different geopolitical zones of the country.
Under a budget line tagged ERGP 12234747, the ministry proposed to spend N35 million on the supply of grinding machines to women in Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency in the South-South zone, although the number of machines was not specified.
READ ALSO: 2026 Budget Sets Aside N1.38tn For Pensions, Retirees Benefits
Similarly, another N35 million was earmarked for the training and empowerment of women in hairdressing, makeup and soap-making in Mikang/Shandam/Quampan Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the North-Central zone.
The budget document also captured a proposal to expend N70 million on the empowerment and training of youths, alongside seven retirees, in various skills acquisition and trade equipment programmes in Inyamaltu/Deba area of Gombe State, North-East.
In addition, the ministry proposed to spend N70 million on the supply of mini pick-up vans, mini shuttle buses and motorcycles to constituents of Abakaliki Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, South-East.
There was also provision for the training, sensitisation, advocacy and empowerment of North-Central youths against drug abuse in Zamfara State, which is geographically located in the North-West, among several similar intervention programmes listed in the budget.
The proposals have since generated public interest as lawmakers commence scrutiny of the 2026 Appropriation Bill ahead of its passage.