By Peace Erewunmi

Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received a combined ₦2.9 trillion in special allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between 2024 and 2026 to support security operations and infrastructure development, according to an analysis by TheCable.

The report indicates that the funds were disbursed outside the regular monthly statutory allocations shared among the three tiers of government. The special allocations were intended to provide additional financial support to state governments in addressing growing security challenges and funding critical infrastructure projects.

According to the analysis, the intervention was introduced to help state governments respond more effectively to insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal conflicts, and other emerging threats, while also accelerating the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and other public infrastructure.

The allocations reportedly came at a time when many states were grappling with increasing security expenditure and rising demands for improved public services. State governments have repeatedly argued that regular FAAC allocations alone are insufficient to meet their growing financial obligations.

The report further noted that while all states and the FCT benefited from the special intervention, the amounts received varied based on the approved sharing formula and other fiscal considerations. However, detailed state-by-state disbursement figures were not immediately available in the published analysis.

Financial experts say the special allocations underscore the Federal Government’s efforts to provide additional fiscal support to subnational governments amid economic reforms and persistent security concerns. They note, however, that the effectiveness of the intervention will ultimately depend on how transparently and efficiently the funds are utilised.

Analysts also stressed the importance of accountability, urging state governments to provide detailed public reports on projects executed with the allocations. They argued that regular disclosure of expenditure would improve public confidence and ensure that the funds achieve their intended objectives.

The development comes as debates continue over fiscal federalism, state financing, and the growing cost of internal security across Nigeria. Many stakeholders have called for stronger oversight by state legislatures, anti-corruption agencies, and civil society organisations to ensure that special intervention funds are properly managed.

The Federal Government has consistently maintained that improving security and infrastructure remains central to its economic development agenda, noting that stronger subnational capacity is essential for national growth, investment, and improved living standards. The special FAAC allocations are therefore expected to complement ongoing efforts by state governments to address local security challenges and expand critical infrastructure.