FG Increases Women Affairs Budget by 97% in 2026 Appropriation Bill

The Federal Government has nearly doubled the budgetary allocation to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, raising it from N78.5 billion in 2025 to N154.3 billion in 2026.

The ministry will receive N154,315,760,358, with N2.66 billion for personnel costs, N1.25 billion for overheads, and N150.39 billion for capital expenditure.

The increase marks one of the most substantial boosts the ministry has received in recent years, raising expectations among gender advocates and civil society organisations.

Ebere Ifendu, National President of the Women in Politics Forum, welcomed the increase but cautioned that funding alone would not guarantee impact without effective release and utilisation.

“It’s good, but will there be cash backing?” she asked. “We expect intentional expenditure. Health, education, social amenities and economic empowerment should be prioritised to bring women out of poverty.”

Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Director of the Safeguarding Centre, University of Lagos, described the increase as a positive development, noting that the Ministry of Women Affairs has historically been underfunded.

“This is a good development, and the minister deserves commendation for her sterling negotiation skills,” she said.

Some concerns were raised about transparency and completeness of the allocation, with an anonymous source noting that the budget does not fully capture all its programme needs.

Stakeholders insist that the 2026 budget presents a critical opportunity for the government to demonstrate measurable impact, from reducing gender-based violence to strengthening social protection and economic opportunities for women.

Advocates say close monitoring, accountability and sustained engagement with civil society will be crucial to ensuring that the allocation delivers meaningful change for Nigerian women and girls.