By Kingsley Ohens
January 12, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the proposed 2026 Budget allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), offering critical insight into the administration’s fiscal priorities and governance direction for the coming year.
According to figures released by the Budget Office of the Federation, the allocations—presented in descending order—underscore the government’s focus on macroeconomic management, national security, infrastructure expansion, human capital development, and social protection, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Finance, Planning and Infrastructure Dominate
At the top of the allocation table is the Federal Ministry of Finance, which received ₦16.78 trillion, reflecting the central role of debt servicing, treasury operations, revenue management, and macroeconomic stabilization in the 2026 fiscal framework.
Closely following is the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning with ₦9.10 trillion, signaling strong emphasis on national development planning, fiscal coordination, and economic reform implementation.
Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of government spending. The Federal Ministry of Works secured ₦3.49 trillion, reinforcing commitments to road construction, rehabilitation, and national connectivity. This is complemented by substantial allocations to the Ministry of Power (₦1.11 trillion), Transport (₦431.8 billion), Water Resources (₦458.6 billion), and Housing and Urban Development (₦105.9 billion).
Security and Defence Take Strategic Priority
National security continues to command significant fiscal attention. The Ministry of Defence received ₦3.15 trillion, while the Ministry of Police Affairs was allocated ₦1.33 trillion. The Office of the National Security Adviser also secured ₦664.1 billion, underscoring the government’s resolve to address internal security challenges, terrorism, banditry, and intelligence coordination.
The Ministry of the Interior, responsible for immigration, correctional services, and civil defence, received ₦696.4 billion, further reinforcing the security architecture.
Human Capital and Social Welfare Spending
Human development remains a major pillar of the 2026 budget. The Federal Ministry of Education received ₦2.40 trillion, while the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was allocated ₦2.15 trillion, reflecting sustained investment in education, healthcare delivery, and social safety nets.
Agriculture and food security also feature prominently. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security received ₦1.45 trillion, signaling government intent to tackle food inflation, enhance productivity, and strengthen value chains.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation received ₦462.7 billion, aimed at cushioning vulnerable populations and addressing humanitarian crises.
Governance, Democracy and Institutions
Democratic institutions and governance structures also received notable funding. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was allocated ₦1.01 trillion, reflecting preparations for electoral activities and institutional strengthening.
The National Assembly received ₦344.9 billion, while the Judiciary was allocated ₦341.6 billion, reaffirming the constitutional independence of the arms of government.
The Presidency received ₦355.1 billion, while the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) secured ₦460.7 billion for administration and infrastructural development in the nation’s capital.
Emerging Sectors and Economic Diversification
In line with economic diversification goals, allocations were made to newer and strategic sectors. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation received ₦838.7 billion, while the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy was allocated ₦84.6 billion.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (₦149.2 billion), Solid Minerals Development (₦156.3 billion), Steel Development (₦21.5 billion), and Livestock Development (₦81.2 billion) reflect efforts to expand Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base.
Oversight, Accountability and Regulatory Bodies
Anti-corruption and regulatory agencies received modest but symbolic allocations. The ICPC was allocated ₦21.1 billion, the Code of Conduct Bureau ₦15.7 billion, and the Auditor-General for the Federation ₦15.9 billion.
Fiscal oversight bodies such as the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and RMAFC received ₦2.0 billion and ₦4.7 billion respectively.
Overall Outlook
The 2026 MDA budget distribution reflects a government balancing economic stabilization, security imperatives, infrastructure development, and social investment, while cautiously supporting institutional governance and economic diversification.
As the proposal moves through legislative scrutiny, analysts note that effective implementation, transparency, and value-for-money execution will be critical in translating these allocations into tangible outcomes for Nigerians and sustaining investor confidence in Africa’s largest economy.
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