The Federal Government is seeking to allocate an additional N5 billion to the Safe School Scheme in the 2026 budget, even as the National Assembly intensifies scrutiny over the programme’s performance and accountability.
The proposed funding, listed under capital supplementation in the House of Representatives Order Paper dated March 31, 2026, comes amid growing concerns from lawmakers about the initiative’s effectiveness, particularly in addressing recurring attacks on schools across the country.
Despite years of budgetary allocations and policy efforts, legislators have raised doubts about whether the programme has delivered meaningful improvements in protecting students and educational facilities.
“We need to see concrete results, not just allocations on paper,” said a lawmaker from the House Committee on Education.
The Nigerian Senate had previously mandated a comprehensive probe into the scheme, vowing to track all funds released since its inception in 2014.
“We will follow the trail of these allocations and ensure that accountability is upheld at every level,” a senator involved in the inquiry stated.
Originally designed to strengthen security in schools, especially in high-risk areas, the initiative continues to face criticism as insecurity persists. A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that “this additional funding is aimed at reinforcing existing security measures and improving coordination with state authorities.”
The development highlights the growing demand for transparency and measurable results, even as the government moves to commit more resources to the programme