Counterpart funding pushes Women Affairs Ministry’s budget to N78.5bn

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, which received a total allocation of N6.5 billion in the 2024 budget, is set to see a significant increase in its funding for 2025, with a proposed budget of N78.5 billion.

The N71 billion difference between the two years’ budgets is largely attributed to N68 billion counterpart funding provided for a World Bank project, as explained by Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs.

Speaking during a budget defense session with the National Assembly’s joint committee on Women Affairs on Friday, Sulaiman-Ibrahim clarified that N7.4 billion has been allocated for the Ministry’s core capital projects in 2025.

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She said, “The total proposed allocation for the Ministry in 2025 stands at N78.5 billion, compared to the N6.5 billion approved for the 2024 fiscal year.

“This significant increase is due to the N68 billion counterpart funding for a World Bank project that the Ministry will execute. Beyond this, N7.4 billion is earmarked for core capital projects, while N2.6 billion is allocated for personnel costs and N810 million for overhead costs.”

Reviewing the Ministry’s performance in 2024, the Minister lamented that only 18% (N869.8 million) of the N4.6 billion budgeted for capital projects was released.

However, she noted that the N1.3 billion allocated for personnel costs and N565.8 million for overhead expenses were fully implemented.

The joint committee, led by Ireti Kingibe and Kafilat Ogbara, advised the Minister to familiarize herself with the Ministry’s operations to address any issues.

They commended the Ministry for generating over N4 million in internally generated revenue (IGR) in 2024, describing it as unprecedented.

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Ogbara said in her remarks, “We commend your detailed presentation and determination to elevate the Ministry. Please take time to review all available records and address any shortcomings from the past.”