FG's Works Ministry plans N500m for hairdressers, make-up artists in 2026 budget
The Federal Ministry of Works plans to spend over N500 million on programs for hairdressers and make-up artists, plus distributing grinding machines, motorcycles, and mini-vans, according to the 2026 budget proposal. These items are spread across Nigeria's geopolitical zones.
Key allocations include: N35 million for grinding machines for women in Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency (South-South); another N35 million for training women in hairdressing, make-up, and soap production in Mikang/Shandam/Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency, Plateau State (North-Central); N70 million for skill acquisition for youths, women, and retirees in Inyamaltu/Deba, Gombe State (North-East); and N70 million to supply mini pick-up vans, motorcycles, and shuttle buses to Abakaliki Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State (South-East). The budget also includes anti-drug abuse awareness campaigns in Zamfara State (North-West).
This spending has sparked debate about whether such empowerment programs fit the Federal Ministry of Works' core mandate of building and maintaining infrastructure like roads and bridges. Critics question if these initiatives align with the ministry's primary responsibilities.
With the 2026 budget already before the National Assembly for approval, the real question is whether these constituency projects will be passed as is. Given Nigeria's pressing infrastructure deficits—dilapidated roads, collapsed bridges, and chronic power issues—should the Works Ministry focus on construction and rehabilitation, or are these empowerment programs a valid use of public funds for local economic development?