Lawmakers Demand Clarifications as Poverty Alleviation Ministry Seeks ₦23.5bn for 2026

The Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation has called for a comprehensive review of the ₦23.5 billion proposed by the Federal Ministry of Poverty Alleviation for the 2026 fiscal year, citing the need for clearer details and stronger justification of allocations.

The committee, chaired by Senator Abiodun Sharafadeen, issued the directive during a budget defence session at the National Assembly, where the Minister of Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro, presented the ministry’s estimates.

Dr. Doro informed the lawmakers that the ministry had an appropriation of ₦1.5 billion in the 2025 fiscal year but recorded limited performance due to delayed and insufficient releases of funds. He noted that the funding constraints disrupted the execution of key poverty reduction initiatives targeted at vulnerable populations.

According to the minister, the ₦23.5 billion proposed for 2026 is aimed at strengthening existing intervention programmes and expanding their reach across the country. He explained that approximately 70 per cent of the 2025 budget has been rolled over into the new proposal, largely due to incomplete projects and ongoing initiatives affected by funding shortfalls.

He appealed to the committee to facilitate timely and full release of funds upon approval, stressing that adequate financing is crucial for the ministry to effectively deliver on its mandate of reducing poverty and supporting disadvantaged communities.

While acknowledging the ministry’s challenges, members of the committee expressed concerns over aspects of the budget presentation, questioning certain allocations and the overall framework of the proposal. They directed the ministry to revisit its estimates and provide additional clarifications to ensure better alignment with national priorities and improved implementation outcomes.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to robust oversight, emphasizing that funds allocated for poverty alleviation must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.