By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for an upward review of the N134.2 billion proposed for her ministry in the 2026 fiscal year.
The appeal was made during her budget defence before the Senate Committee on Women Affairs on Monday, as the committee expressed concern over what it described as “abysmally low” cash releases for the ministry’s capital and overhead components in the 2025 budget.
According to the minister, increasing the allocation would enable the ministry to effectively implement programmes aimed at addressing the complex challenges facing women across the country.
“In line with the plan and the need for more domestic allocations in the 2026 fiscal year, an upward review of budget estimates for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development should be done,” Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated.
Responding, the committee chairman, Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT), said while there was no objection to a higher allocation for 2026, the persistent issue of poor fund releases must first be addressed.
“We are not against an upward review of what is earmarked for your ministry in 2026, but the problem is abysmal. Release of funds, as reflected in your presentation on the 2025 budget appropriation and releases, is a serious concern to us.
That problem must be addressed first,” she said.
During her presentation, the minister revealed that out of N89.8 billion appropriated for capital expenditure in 2025, only N394 million was released in December, which was ultimately unutilised. Similarly, of the N2.8 billion allocated for overhead costs, only N471 million was released.
For 2026, the ministry has been earmarked a total of N134.2 billion, broken down as N2.1 billion for personnel costs, N131.2 billion for capital expenditure, and N810.9 million for overhead.
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