Nigeria’s 2026 budget has come under fresh scrutiny after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar questioned the sharp increase in the Service-Wide Vote (SWV). According to figures he cited, the allocation rose from N638 billion in the 2025 budget to N12.8 trillion in the 2026 budget. First Nigerian reports that the comparison has become a key talking point in the debate over Nigeria’s 2026 budget.
2025 Vs 2026 Budget Comparison
| Budget Year | Service-Wide Vote |
| 2025 | N638bn |
| 2026 | N12.8tn |
What Changed In Nigeria’s 2026 Budget?
Atiku, through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, alleged that the Federal Government placed N12.8 trillion under the Service-Wide Vote in the 2026 budget.
He said the allocation represents an increase of almost 1,918% compared with the N638 billion provided in the 2025 budget.
He also claimed that 84% of the 2026 budget is concentrated across 10 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with a large share assigned to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
According to Atiku, the government should publish details showing how the Service-Wide Vote will be spent.
Why Atiku Questioned The Service-Wide Vote
Atiku said the increase raises questions about transparency and accountability in the 2026 budget.
He stated that Nigerians deserve a detailed explanation of the allocation, including the agencies responsible for spending the funds, the intended projects and the legal basis for the expenditure.
He also warned that without further clarification, some Nigerians could question the purpose of the allocation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Presidency had not responded to Atiku’s statement at the time of publication.
