Nigeria Allocates N34.6 Billion to Communications Ministry Amid Criticism Over Priorities
The Federal Government has earmarked a staggering N34.6 billion for research and development under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The announcement comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with high data costs, low broadband penetration, and weak digital infrastructure, prompting critics to question the allocation’s relevance to pressing ICT challenges.
Budget documents reveal several multi-billion naira allocations to the ministry and its agencies, some of which appear misaligned with urgent digital needs. Notably, Galaxy Backbone Limited, the government-owned IT firm responsible for IT systems across federal ministries, is set to receive N10 billion for shared IT services. This allocation exceeds the entire capital budgets of some smaller federal agencies, despite ongoing complaints about service downtime and inefficiency.
In addition, N8.9 billion has been earmarked for monitoring and evaluation of ICT projects nationwide. Analysts argue that this amount rivals the capital budgets of tertiary institutions and overshadows spending on actual digital service delivery. Recurrent costs also raise concerns, with N1.7 billion allocated for salaries and allowances and N760 million for overheads, including travel, welfare, and publicity.
Other controversial allocations include N105 million for solar-powered streetlights under ICT agencies, a project some experts believe would be better managed by the Works or Power Ministries. Agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Satellite and NIPOST are set to receive significant funding despite operational challenges, including underutilised satellites and inefficiencies in postal services.
ICT policy analyst Martins Barde questioned the government’s priorities, saying: “When you compare N8.9 billion for monitoring with the struggles to expand broadband or reduce data costs, the priorities become questionable.” For many Nigerians, the budget highlights a disconnect between government spending and citizens’ everyday digital needs, igniting debates about the future direction of the nation’s technology investments.
source: The Sun