The budget item, which falls under the centre’s 2026 capital expenditure, raises questions about the scope and targeting of the project, particularly given the large sum allocated to a single community.
A SaharaReporters review of the 2026 budget document for Nigeria has shown that the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation in Ilorin, Kwara State, has budgeted a sum of N700 million for the distribution of food items (Rice Grains) in just one community.
According to details contained in the budget document, the rice distribution project is planned to take place in Adewole community.
Further checks by SaharaReporters show that Adewole community is situated in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, where the agricultural agency is also domiciled.
The budget item, which falls under the centre’s 2026 capital expenditure, raises questions about the scope and targeting of the project, particularly given the large sum allocated to a single community.
The National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation is primarily established to promote the development, testing, and dissemination of agricultural machinery and technologies across the country.
Further review of the 2026 budget also shows that other agricultural agencies have earmarked significant sums for grain-related interventions across different regions of the country.
For instance, a total of N4.1 billion is budgeted by the National Cereals Research Institute for the supply of grains to rural farmers in selected communities in the South-Southern region of Nigeria. Another N4.9 billion is planned by the same institute for the purchase of grains for rural farmers across all geo-political zones of the country.
Additionally, the National Cereals Research Institute also plans to spend N350 million on capacity building for "Grain producers and other stakeholders in SouthWestern Nigeria."
Similar budgetary provisions for food distribution have appeared in previous fiscal years.
In 2025, SaharaReporters reported that a review of the approved 2025 budget revealed that the National Institute for Culture Orientation, which operates under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, planned to spend N200 million on the distribution of rice in the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency.
According to the budget item listed under code "ERGP20257419," the rice was to be distributed to "constituents in Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State."
Other items in the same budget included the provision of grains to residents of Mabuhu in Kaduna State, which was expected to cost N100 million. Another N100 million was earmarked for the purchase of fishing nets, accessories, and the empowerment of fishermen in the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency.
A SaharaReporters review of the listed statutory functions of the National Institute for Culture Orientation showed that distributing rice does not form part of the institute’s mandate.
According to the act establishing the institute, its functions include serving as a focus for cultural orientation in national matters, promoting and reviving Nigeria’s culture and history, and promoting various forms of enlightenment on Nigerian culture.
Despite this, the 2025 budget document showed that the institute planned to engage in activities such as road construction, installation of solar street lights, and rehabilitation of classrooms, projects that also fall outside the scope of its legally defined responsibilities.