Federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) have inserted over N3.5 trillion worth of new projects into the proposed 2026 budget, despite a directive from the Federal Government to halt the introduction of fresh capital projects.
The insertions come as a surprise amid the government’s earlier decision to freeze new capital spending due to revenue constraints and efforts to complete ongoing projects.
Budget analysts and civil society groups raised concerns about the move, calling it a violation of the administration’s fiscal policy. They warned that such actions could derail implementation and strain limited resources.
A review of the proposed budget reveals that several MDAs introduced hundreds of new projects, many of which lack proper planning or feasibility studies. Critics argue that these additions could lead to waste and undermine budget credibility.
The Ministry of Finance had previously issued guidelines restricting MDAs from initiating new projects in the 2026 fiscal year, urging them instead to prioritize completing existing ones.
Despite this, lawmakers and agency heads reportedly lobbied for the inclusion of constituency and interest-based projects, fueling fears of inflated spending and political interference in budget planning.
An official at the Budget Office, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the additions and said the agency was reviewing the implications.
Meanwhile, public finance watchdogs have urged the National Assembly to scrutinize the budget thoroughly and remove non-essential items before passage.
The 2026 budget is expected to undergo review in coming weeks before legislative approval.
