New budget details for 2026 show that several ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) included more than ₦500 million in allocations for skills training, make‑up artists, hairstylists and grinding machines, a development that has drawn public attention over government spending priorities, budget analysts said on January 19, 2026.
Analysis of the budget estimates shows that line items were inserted under various ministry and agency votes to fund programmes that include enterprise development workshops for beauty professionals and distribution of grinding machines to support small business owners. The combined costs of these items across MDAs exceed ₦500 million.
The budgetslines cover activities such as training sessions, starter kits, tools and equipment for participants in the beauty and agro‑processing sectors, including make‑up artists and hairdressers. Other provisions relate to the procurement and distribution of grinding machines for micro and small enterprises.
Supporters of the initiatives say the programmes aim to boost vocational skills and help young entrepreneurs earn livelihoods, especially in urban and peri‑urban communities where such skills are in demand. They argue that funding training and equipment can help reduce unemployment and stimulate local economies.
However, the allocations have drawn scrutiny from budget watchers and civil society groups, who contend that such items should be handled under state and local enterprise schemes rather than high‑level federal ministry budget lines.
Critics say that plans to purchase and distribute equipment like grinding machines and sponsor make‑up and hairstylist programmes through federal ministries may blur roles between national policy and local skills development programmes.
The apparent shift in budgeting style comes as the 2026 Appropriation Bill continues its review at the National Assembly, where lawmakers may amend, remove or retain such provisions after committee scrutiny.
Budget analysts say that oversight hearings and public testimony could shape how such allocations are viewed and whether they remain in the final budget.
Public advocacy groups have urged clarity and transparency on how these funds will be used, including clear targets, expected outcomes and mechanisms to track impact if they are retained in the final budget.
Some stakeholders see an opportunity for such funds to support formalised vocational centres aligned with broader national skills development strategies.
As the National Assembly reviews and debates the 2026 budget estimates, lawmakers are expected to question these line items during public hearings and committee sessions, with possible revisions aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline and alignment with national development priorities.
