The Women in Politics Forum (WiPF) has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to nearly double the budgetary allocation to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in the 2026 Appropriation Bill but stressed that the real test lies in the timely release and transparent utilisation of the funds.
Speaking exclusively to Women News Today, the National President of WiPF, Ebere Ifendu, while reacting to the proposed ₦154.3 billion allocation for the ministry in the 2026 budget, up from ₦78.5 billion in 2025, representing a 97 per cent increase, questioned whether the funding would be backed by actual cash releases.
“It’s good, but will there be cash backing?” she asked.
According to Ifendu, increased budgetary figures alone would not translate into meaningful change for Nigerian women and girls without intentional spending, strong oversight and clear development priorities.
“We expect intentional expenditure. Health, education, social amenities and economic empowerment must be prioritised to lift women out of poverty,” she said.
“The girl child must be protected, and we want to see stronger policy and legal reforms to end all forms of violence against women and girls.”
A breakdown of the budget shows that the Ministry of Women Affairs is expected to receive a total of ₦154,315,760,358, with ₦2.66 billion allocated to personnel costs, ₦1.25 billion for overheads, and ₦150.39 billion earmarked for capital expenditure, signalling a renewed focus on programmes and projects targeted at women and girls.
Ifendu congratulated the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahi, and Nigerian women on the increased allocation, expressing cautious optimism that the current leadership would prioritise protection, inclusion and empowerment.
“The opportunity is there. What matters now is delivery,” she added.
As of press time, the Minister had yet to formally comment on the proposed allocation.
Also reacting, Director of the Safeguarding Centre, University of Lagos, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, described the increase as a positive shift for a ministry that has historically suffered chronic underfunding.
“This is a good development, and the minister deserves commendation for her sterling negotiation skills,” Akiyode-Afolabi said.
“Women Affairs has often been at the lowest rung of the ladder. We hope this increase will translate into real institutional reforms for women and girls, not just figures on paper.”
However, concerns remain over transparency and the adequacy of the allocation. An anonymous source familiar with the ministry’s operations noted that some critical programmes, including the Nigeria for Women Project, were not fully captured in the appropriation.
With more than ₦150 billion proposed for capital projects, stakeholders insist that the 2026 budget presents a defining moment for the government to demonstrate measurable impact — from reducing gender-based violence and improving access to education and healthcare, to expanding economic opportunities and strengthening social protection for women across the country.
Advocates stress that sustained civil society engagement, strict monitoring and accountability will be essential to ensure that the unprecedented allocation delivers lasting and meaningful change for Nigerian women and girls.
