By Chinyere Anyanwu
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has proposed spending N180 billion on federal universities of agriculture and research institutes in the 2025 proposed budget.
Of this amount, N54.38 billion is allocated specifically to federal universities of agriculture, as part of the ministry’s total N636 billion allocation.
The allocations were disclosed in the newly released 2025 Appropriation Bill by the Budget Office of the Federation on December 18, 2024.
President Bola Tinubu presented the N49.70 trillion budget, titled, “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 17, 2024.
The proposed N54.38 billion allocation to universities represents 8.4 per cent of the ministry’s total budget.
The breakdown includes: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, N13.77 billion; Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, N14.17 billion; Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State, N3.98 billion; Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa State, N2.96 billion; and Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State, N3.58 billion.
Also, the ministry has allocated N126.03 billion to over 40 research institutes, some of which include: Agricultural Research and Management Institute, Ilorin: N2.17 billion; National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi: N4.29 billion; National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State: N6.44 billion; National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State: N6.86 billion.
Others are National Institute for Oil Palm Research, Benin, Edo State: N5.08 billion; National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan: N4.34 billion; Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State: N2.30 billion; Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service: N5.47 billion and Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research: N5.09 billion.
The full list of allocations spans institutions involved in agricultural mechanisation, freshwater fisheries, veterinary health and cooperative development, underscoring the government’s emphasis on research-driven solutions for food security and economic growth.
President Tinubu emphasised his administration’s commitment to security and infrastructure in his budget speech, stating, “This budget will ensure we secure peace and rebuild prosperity.”
The proposed budget is based on economic assumptions, including a projected inflation rate decline from 34.6 per cent to 15 per cent and an exchange rate adjustment from N1,700 to N1,500 per dollar.
Experts believe these strategic investments in education and research institutes could enhance food security, foster innovation, and promote sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.