The Federal Ministry of Works has proposed spending over N500 million in 2026 on skills training, empowerment programs, and equipment supply across select states, including hairdressing, make-up artistry, soap making, grinding machines, motorcycles, mini-vans, and anti-drug abuse sensitisation.

Details of the proposed expenditure appear in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, recently uploaded to the Budget Office website.

Breakdown of Allocations

• Women’s Empowerment in South South: N35 million for grinding machines in Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency.
• Hairdressing and Make-Up Training in North Central: N35 million for women in Mikang/Shandam/Quampan Federal Constituency, Plateau State, including soap making training.
• Youth and Retiree Skills Training in North East: N70 million for Inyamaltu/Deba, Gombe State, providing trade equipment and skill acquisition programs for youths and seven retirees.
• Transport Equipment in South East: N70 million for mini pick-up vans, mini shuttle buses, and motorcycles in Abakaliki Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State.
• Anti-Drug Abuse Sensitisation in North West: Training and empowerment programs targeting youths in Zamfara State.

The allocations reflect a focus on skills development, youth empowerment, and poverty reduction through targeted programs in different geopolitical zones.

The budget proposals also align with the government’s broader effort to equip citizens with vocational skills and improve economic participation.