FG budgets N34.6bn for research as ICT spending spikes in 2026
FG budgets N34.6bn for research as ICT spending spikes in 2026
The Federal Government has earmarked N34.6 billion for research and development under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
Critics say the allocation is staggering in a sector still grappling with high data costs, poor broadband penetration, and weak digital infrastructure.
Budget documents reveal a series of multi-billion-naira allocations to the ministry and its agencies, many of which appear detached from pressing ICT needs.
Among the largest items is N10 billion for shared IT services at Galaxy Backbone Limited, the government-owned tech firm responsible for IT systems across federal ministries.
By comparison, Galaxy Backbone will receive more than the entire capital budgets of some smaller federal agencies, despite ongoing complaints of service downtime and inefficiency.
Meanwhile, N8.9 billion is set aside for monitoring and evaluation of ICT projects nationwide, an amount experts say rivals the capital budgets of some tertiary institutions and dwarfs spending on actual digital service delivery.
Recurrent costs also raise eyebrows, as N1.7 billion is earmarked for salaries and allowances, while N760 million is allocated to overheads, including travel, welfare packages, and publicity.
Combined, these recurrent costs outstrip what some federal agencies are receiving for capital projects.
Even more controversial is N105 million for solar-powered streetlights under ICT agencies, projects that analysts argue fit better under works or power ministries rather than digital innovation-focused departments.
Other allocations under the ministry include billions for research, monitoring and administrative functions, while agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Satellite and NIPOST are set to receive substantial funding despite operational challenges in satellite utilisation and postal services.
To put it in perspective, the N34.6 billion research budget alone exceeds the combined capital budgets of several federal institutions, while the Galaxy Backbone vote dwarfs allocations to employment and vocational programmes that directly impact citizens.
An ICT policy analyst, Mr Martins Barde, questioned the priorities, stating, “When you compare N8.9bn for monitoring with the struggles to expand broadband or reduce data costs, the priorities become questionable.”
