Federal government agencies have proposed more than ₦400 billion in the 2026 budget for the construction and renovation of mosques, palaces, civic centres, halls, and other public facilities, according to budget documents submitted for legislative consideration. The proposals have sparked debate over public spending priorities at a time of economic pressure and growing infrastructure needs.

The budget provisions are spread across several ministries, departments, and agencies and include projects such as worship centres, traditional institutions, community halls, event centres, and public assembly facilities. Analysts say the allocations have attracted public attention because of their size and the range of projects included.

Critics argue that scarce public resources should be directed toward sectors such as housing, healthcare, education, roads, water supply, and electricity, where infrastructure deficits remain significant. They contend that increased investment in productive infrastructure would generate stronger economic and social returns.

Supporters of the projects maintain that many of the proposed facilities serve community, cultural, religious, and social functions and can contribute to local development, social cohesion, and public welfare. They also argue that some of the projects involve rehabilitation or completion of existing public assets.

Public finance experts have called for greater transparency in budget preparation and implementation, including clearer project descriptions, cost justification, procurement details, and measurable outcomes. They stress that effective oversight is essential to ensure value for money and prevent wasteful expenditure.

The debate comes as the Federal Government continues discussions on the 2026 fiscal framework and broader efforts to improve budget credibility, revenue mobilisation, and public expenditure efficiency. Stakeholders say the controversy highlights the need for stronger alignment between national development priorities and capital budget allocations.

Economists note that public confidence in government spending is strengthened when budget allocations are linked to clear economic benefits, service delivery improvements, and long-term development objectives.

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Nigeria needs more taxpayers, not higher taxes, according to Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, who said expanding the country’s tax base is essential to generating sustainable revenue and supporting long-term development.

Oyedele stated that Nigeria’s tax challenge is not necessarily low tax rates but the relatively small number of individuals and businesses that comply with tax obligations. He stressed the importance of ensuring that those who should pay taxes are brought into the tax net while promoting fairness and efficiency in tax administration.

According to him, the country cannot continue to depend heavily on borrowing to finance critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and social protection. He noted that building a sustainable fiscal system requires a broader tax base capable of generating stable and predictable revenue.

Oyedele explained that effective tax reforms should encourage economic growth, reduce inequality, protect vulnerable groups, and improve productivity. He added that a well-functioning tax system could significantly accelerate national development and improve public service delivery.

The comments come amid the implementation of ongoing tax reforms designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax framework, improve compliance, and make the system more competitive and equitable. Recent reforms also introduced relief measures and exemptions for low-income earners and small businesses while seeking to reduce the country’s reliance on debt-financed development.

Economic experts say broadening the tax net through increased compliance and formalisation of economic activities could improve government revenue without placing additional burdens on existing taxpayers.

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MDAs spend ₦11.8bn on fuel in four months as rising petrol costs continue to increase operational expenses across federal government agencies.

Data obtained from the Open Treasury Portal showed that Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government spent approximately ₦11.85 billion on fuel for vehicles and generators between January and April 2026. The figure represents a significant increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

The expenditure reflects growing energy costs faced by public institutions following increases in domestic fuel prices and developments in the global oil market. The Open Treasury Portal, which tracks government spending and budget implementation, recorded the payments under fuel-related operational expenses.

According to the data, spending on motor vehicle fuel rose substantially during the review period, while expenditure on generator and plant fuel also recorded notable growth. The increase highlights the dependence of many government agencies on fuel-powered transportation and electricity generation to sustain operations.

Budget allocations for fuel expenses also increased in 2026, reflecting expectations of higher energy costs throughout the year. Despite the rise in spending, only a small portion of the approved annual fuel budgets had been utilized as of April, leaving a significant balance available for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Beyond vehicle and generator fuel, spending on other categories such as aircraft fuel, sea boat fuel, and fuel for transport equipment also recorded sharp increases during the period. These expenditures contributed to the overall rise in government fuel-related costs.

Analysts say the trend underscores the impact of market-based fuel pricing on public sector operations. As Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector remains largely deregulated, fluctuations in global oil prices and exchange rates continue to influence domestic fuel costs.

The development has renewed discussions on energy efficiency, alternative power solutions, and cost-management strategies within government institutions as authorities seek to balance operational needs with fiscal sustainability.

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The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has initiated engagement with local contractors to resolve outstanding federal government obligations, signalling a renewed push to restore confidence in public sector financing.

At a high-level meeting held in Abuja, the minister assured contractors that verified debts would be settled through a fair, transparent, and structured process aligned with ongoing economic reforms.

Focus on Transparency and Accountability

According to a statement from the ministry’s spokesperson, Efe Ovuakporie, the meeting brought together representatives of the All-Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria to address long-standing payment delays tied to capital projects.

Oyedele emphasised that resolving these obligations is critical not only for contractors but also for broader economic stability.

“Resolving these obligations is important not just for contractors, but for confidence in government, job creation, business continuity, and overall economic stability,” he said.

Addressing Longstanding Payment Delays

The engagement focused on reconciling outstanding claims, improving accountability, and developing a credible framework for payment.

The minister acknowledged contractors’ concerns over delayed payments, contract variations, and the impact of fiscal reforms on project execution. He noted that the government is working with relevant institutions to verify claims and implement a sustainable payment structure.

Balancing Fiscal Discipline and Obligations

Oyedele stressed that while the government remains committed to economic reforms, it will also ensure that legitimate obligations are honoured responsibly.

“The government recognises the critical role local contractors play in infrastructure development and economic growth. We are determined to resolve all outstanding issues through structured engagement within the framework of fiscal responsibility,” he added.

Contractors Express Optimism

Representatives of the contractors welcomed the initiative, describing it as a step toward resolving a prolonged impasse with the government. They expressed optimism that the dialogue would translate into practical solutions and pledged continued cooperation to ensure timely delivery of infrastructure projects.

Key Officials Present

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi; Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma; and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, alongside directors from relevant departments.

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