The Federal Government nearly doubled funding for the Ministry of Women Affairs in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, boosting allocation from N78.5 billion last year to N154.3 billion – a sharp 97% jump signaling priority on gender equity amid Tinubu's renewal push. Breakdown reveals N2.66 billion for personnel, N1.25 billion overheads, and a whopping N150.39 billion capital spend targeting women/girls programs like violence curbs, economic lifts, and girl-child safeguards. Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim stays mum, but advocates like WiPF's Ebere Ifendu hail the cash while demanding cash-backing and tracked impacts over paper wins.
The leap flips historic underfunding, outpacing ministries as Education eyes trillions but Women Affairs grabs spotlight post-GBV spikes and poverty bites hitting females hardest. Gender hawks like UNILAG's Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi praise negotiation chops, urging institutional reforms beyond figures amid Nigeria for Women Project gaps. Naija watches: will N150B+ fuel real change or leak via ghost lines like past scandals? Critics flag transparency, streets tie to EFCC graft wars and Orji Kalu poll vows. Budget bets big on women, implementation holds key.