At least 11 federal ministries and agencies are line up for a N1tn+ windfall in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, underscoring the government’s sprawling fiscal ambitions amid looming economic headwinds.
The proposed allocations, contained in the budget estimates submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly, reflect a steady expansion in government spending over recent years.
In 2025, only 10 ministries crossed the N1tn threshold, while prior to that period, no single ministry had recorded such a level of annual budgetary allocation.
A detailed review of the 2026 estimates shows a deliberate prioritisation of security, road infrastructure, statutory obligations and governance-related expenditure, even as the government grapples with sluggish revenue growth, rising debt-service costs and persistent inflation.
How MDAs get over N1tn in 2026 budget
At the top of the spending table is the Federal Ministry of Finance, which is proposed to receive N16.781tn in 2026, maintaining its position as the single largest recipient of government funds.
Although the allocation represents a reduction of about N739bn, or 4.22 per cent, from the N17.52tn approved in 2025, it still accounts for a substantial portion of total federal expenditure.
The ministry’s allocation largely covers recurrent items such as personnel costs, pensions, debt servicing and statutory transfers, underscoring the weight of fixed obligations in Nigeria’s fiscal structure.
Closely following is the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which is proposed to receive N9.102tn in 2026.
This marks a significant increase of N2.322tn, or 34.25 per cent, compared with its N6.78tn allocation in the 2025 fiscal year.
Analysts note that the sharp rise reflects the ministry’s coordinating role in capital releases, multilateral funding arrangements and implementation of the administration’s medium-term economic reforms.
Security spending remains a central feature of the 2026 budget, with the Ministry of Defence projected to receive N3.15tn.
This represents an increase of N230bn, or 7.88 per cent, over the N2.92tn allocated in 2025, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tackling insurgency, banditry and other internal security threats across the country.
Infrastructure development also received a major boost, as the Federal Ministry of Works is proposed to get N3.49tn in 2026.
The allocation is more than triple the N1.14tn approved in the previous year, reflecting a 206 per cent increase.
The surge is linked to ongoing highway rehabilitation, construction of legacy road projects and renewed efforts to improve connectivity across key economic corridors.
While several MDAs get over N1tn in 2026 budget due to expanded capital programmes, others recorded downward adjustments.
The Federal Ministry of Power, for instance, is proposed to receive N1.107tn, representing a sharp decline of N993bn, or 47.3 per cent, from the N2.1tn allocated in 2025. The reduction follows the winding down of some intervention-driven programmes that previously boosted the sector’s budget.
Education spending also recorded a slight cut, with the Ministry of Education projected to receive N2.398tn in 2026, down by N122bn, or 4.84 per cent, from the N2.52tn allocation in the previous fiscal year.
Stakeholders have continued to express concerns over funding gaps in the sector, particularly in relation to infrastructure, research and teacher welfare.
In contrast, health sector funding saw a modest increase.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is proposed to receive N2.149tn in 2026, up by N239bn, or 12.5 per cent, from N1.91tn in 2025.
The increase reflects ongoing investments in healthcare delivery, social protection programmes and disease control initiatives.
Other MDAs crossing the N1tn mark include the Ministry of Police Affairs, which is proposed to receive N1.33tn, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with an allocation of N1.45tn.
The strong showing for agriculture aligns with the administration’s emphasis on food security, inflation moderation and domestic production.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is also projected to receive N1.013tn in the 2026 budget, marking a notable rise from its sub-trillion allocations in previous years.
The provision is linked to preparations for electoral activities expected within the budget cycle, including logistics, voter registration and technology upgrades.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Niger Delta recorded a significant reduction in its allocation, dropping from N2.23tn in 2025 to N1.35tn in 2026.
The nearly 39.5 per cent cut reflects a recalibration of intervention spending in the region, amid broader efforts to rationalise capital projects.
President Tinubu, while presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly, said the budget was designed to consolidate economic recovery, sustain infrastructure investment, strengthen national security and protect vulnerable Nigerians.
He acknowledged the difficult fiscal environment, noting that the government was seeking to balance economic stimulus with fiscal consolidation.
Lawmakers have commenced preliminary scrutiny of the spending proposals, with sectoral budget defence sessions expected in the coming weeks.
MDAs will be required to justify their allocations, particularly as public attention intensifies on spending efficiency, revenue performance and debt sustainability.
Overall, the fact that multiple MDAs get over N1tn in 2026 budget signals a reordering of government priorities, with heavier emphasis on roads, security and statutory obligations.
However, it also raises fresh questions about fiscal discipline and the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s expanding expenditure profile, especially in the face of persistent revenue constraints.
