By John Alechenu, Abuja
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has criticised the Federal Government’s allocation of ₦22.15 billion for the construction and renovation of palaces in the 2026 budget, describing it as a misplaced priority amid economic challenges facing Nigerians.
National Secretary of CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh, who spoke with Vanguard in Abuja on Wednesday, said the allocation for 106 palace projects was inappropriate at a time many citizens were struggling with rising living costs, food insecurity and poverty.
Ameh argued that government resources should be directed towards programmes with direct impact on citizens, citing the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) introduced during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan as an example of a social intervention programme.
He said the programme supported transportation, agriculture, small and medium-scale enterprises and grassroots economic activities.
