The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development in Nigeria, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for a review of the ₦134.2 billion budget proposed for her ministry in the upcoming 2026 fiscal year. This request was made during a budget defense session before the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, where concerns were raised about the significantly poor release of funds allocated to the ministry’s 2025 budget. Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that an increase in budgetary allocations is essential for effectively addressing the numerous challenges faced by women across the nation.

During the session, she outlined various issues, including but not limited to gender-based violence, poverty, and access to education, which require increased financial support. The Minister argued that without adequate funding, the ministry would be unable to fulfill its mandate of promoting and protecting the rights and interests of Nigerian women. Her appeal reflects a broader call for enhanced investment in women's affairs to empower them and mitigate existing societal issues.

However, the Committee’s initial response to her proposal indicates a reluctance to approve increased spending without first rectifying the concerns related to fund releases from the previous year. This suggests that while the need for a budget increase is acknowledged, there will be scrutiny and accountability from the legislative arm to ensure that previous allocations are effectively utilized before any further commitments are made. The discourse between the ministry and the Senate can potentially shape future budgeting practices and the overall approach to women's issues in Nigeria.