The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, has formally requested the Senate to approve an enhanced budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The appeal aims to strengthen the ministry’s poverty reduction initiatives and significantly elevate the living standards of Nigerians across the federation.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Investment Programme on Wednesday, Minister Doro defended the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal while providing a transparent review of previous fiscal performances.
Minister Doro detailed the ministry’s recent financial trajectory, noting that despite funding and implementation hurdles, the ministry is committed to its mandate:
2024 Performance: Out of an appropriated ₦12.62 billion for capital expenditure, ₦11.23 billion was utilized, leaving a year-end balance of ₦1.39 billion. The ministry recorded an overall budget performance of 19.39% for the year.
2025 Performance: While ₦1.522 billion in personnel costs was fully released, the capital project sector faced significant constraints. Of the ₦30 billion appropriated for 2025 capital projects, only ₦2.265 billion was released, covering just 15 out of 60 planned projects.
The 2026 proposal follows federal directives to roll over the 2025 budget framework. The ministry’s total 2026 proposal stands at ₦43.52 billion, which includes ₦1.399 billion specifically earmarked for capital expenditure.
The Minister reaffirmed that these funds would be managed with strict adherence to transparency and prudent spending. He emphasized effective supervision of agencies responsible for national social protection and poverty reduction programmes to ensure every naira impacts the intended beneficiaries.
In response to the presentation, Senator Sharafadeen Alli representing the Committee Chairman, Senator Idiat Adebule assured the ministry of the Senate’s commitment to securing adequate funding. The committee recognized the vital role the ministry plays in providing a social safety net for vulnerable Nigerians.
