The Federal Government has approved over ₦100 billion for Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP), commonly known as constituency projects, in its 2025 national budget, with Ogun, Kano, and Akwa Ibom leading the allocations. Ogun received ₦8.44 billion, followed by Kano with ₦6.46 billion and Akwa Ibom with ₦5.34 billion, collectively securing more than 20 percent of the total ZIP funds .
A breakdown shows a heavy emphasis on empowerment schemes, which account for ₦35.42 billion (34.75%), followed by agricultural initiatives at ₦27.33 billion (26.82%) and solar power projects at ₦10.60 billion (10.40%). Meanwhile, vital sectors like education and health received only ₦10.20 billion (10.01%) and ₦7.85 billion (7.70%) respectively .
Infrastructure projects were notably underfunded, with roads allocated ₦5.06 billion, water supply ₦4.28 billion, and electricity a mere ₦1.18 billion . The dominance of empowerment-focused allocations has reignited debate over the long-term value of ZIP funding. Civic groups warn that such projects risk becoming politically motivated handouts with limited development impact. “Lawmakers must prioritise projects that deliver sustainable development rather than short-term giveaways,” TrackaNG urged