FG Earmarks ₦2.3trn for Agriculture, Technology in 2026

News in brief:

-FG allocates ₦2.3 trillion to agriculture and science ministries in 2026 budget.

-Analysts say funding may be inadequate given food security and innovation needs.

The federal government plans to spend ₦2.3 trillion in 2026 on the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Out of the total allocation, the agriculture ministry will receive ₦1.45 trillion. Capital expenditure dominates the allocation at ₦1.3 trillion, while ₦136.3 billion is set aside for personnel costs and ₦11.3 billion for overheads.

At the ministry’s headquarters, ₦282 billion has been allocated, including ₦262.8 billion for infrastructure and development programmes.

Key Agricultural Programmes Funded

Among the flagship initiatives is the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme, which receives ₦89.1 billion to improve farmer access to fertilisers and boost national crop yields.

The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme is allocated ₦126 billion to support value addition, industrialisation and job creation. The Value Chain Development Project receives ₦37.5 billion to improve efficiency from farm to market.

Other allocations include ₦25 billion for the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to clear land and establish modern farm facilities, ₦44.2 billion for infrastructure and research at the Federal College of Agriculture (Ishiagu), and ₦94.6 billion for the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to support farmers and agribusinesses.

Science Ministry Focuses on Research, Innovation

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is allocated ₦838.7 billion, with ₦745.3 billion devoted to capital expenditure, ₦85.1 billion for personnel and ₦8.3 billion for overheads.

The ministry’s headquarters receives ₦8.5 billion, including ₦5.5 billion for research and development. Most of the funding is channelled to specialised agencies.

The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute receives ₦294.7 billion for infrastructure-focused research, while the Energy Commission of Nigeria is allocated ₦257.8 billion to advance renewable and conventional energy research.

The National Space Research and Development Agency gets ₦56.2 billion, including ₦18.5 billion for space-based research, while the Sheda Science and Technology Complex receives ₦46.9 billion, largely for ongoing scientific research.

Overheads and Operational Spending

Operational overheads are detailed across both ministries. The science ministry allocates ₦30 million for staff refreshments, ₦65 million for motor fuel and ₦45 million for honorariums.

The agriculture ministry plans to spend ₦148.2 million on generators and plant fuel, alongside ₦151.7 million for security services.

Analysts describe the ₦2.3 trillion allocation as modest relative to the scale of projects required to secure the national food supply and build technological capacity.

They note that the 2026 budget reflects a strategy of pairing agriculture with science, linking fertiliser distribution, land development and processing zones with research, energy innovation and space technology.

Observers say the allocations signal a broader economic strategy that ties rural development, industrialisation and research together to create jobs and boost productivity. If effectively implemented, analysts believe the budget could strengthen food security while positioning Nigeria to compete more effectively in the global knowledge economy.