Senate Questions Poverty Alleviation Ministry’s N23.5bn 2026 Budget Proposal, Calls for Review

By Inalegwu Osemi

The Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation, chaired by Senator Abiodun Sharafadeen, has raised concerns over the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation’s proposed N23.5 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, urging the ministry to reassess its submission and return with more detailed explanations.

The Minister of Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Bernard Doro, presented the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal before the committee during a budget defence session at the National Assembly.
In his presentation, Dr. Doro revealed that the ministry received an appropriation of N1.5 billion for the 2025 fiscal year but recorded low performance due to inadequate and delayed disbursement of funds.

He noted that these funding setbacks significantly limited the ministry’s capacity to fully execute key poverty reduction initiatives designed to enhance the livelihoods of vulnerable Nigerians.
The minister explained that the proposed N23.5 billion allocation for 2026 is intended to reinforce existing intervention programmes and broaden their impact nationwide. He added that approximately 70 per cent of the 2025 budget has been rolled into the 2026 proposal, reflecting ongoing projects and initiatives stalled by funding challenges.
Dr. Doro appealed to the committee to support the timely and full release of approved funds, emphasizing that sufficient financing is essential for the ministry to effectively carry out its mandate of reducing poverty and assisting disadvantaged communities.
He further assured lawmakers of the ministry’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources, while seeking the committee’s continued guidance and cooperation to improve its overall performance.
However, committee members expressed reservations about elements of the budget presentation, questioning specific allocations and the overall structure of the proposal. The committee consequently directed the ministry to review its estimates and provide additional clarifications to ensure consistency with national priorities and better implementation outcomes.
The committee reiterated its resolve to ensure that funds appropriated for poverty alleviation programmes are judiciously utilized to achieve measurable results and enhance the welfare of Nigerians.