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•NALDA to clear land, establish modern farm facilties with N25bn
By Uche Usim
The federal government plans to spend N2.3 trillion being allocation to the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security and Science, Technology and Innovation.
Analysts describe the figure as paltry considering the huge projects needed to be executed to secure the nation’s food supply and building its technological future.
The Ministry of Agriculture leads with N1.45 trillion, with N1.3 trillion earmarked for capital projects, N136.3 billion for personnel costs and N11.3 billion for overheads. At ministry headquarters, N282 billion has been set aside, including N262.8 billion for infrastructure and development programmes.
Among the headline initiatives is the Renewed Hope Fertilizer Support Programme, which receives N89.1 billion to ensure farmers have access to vital fertilizers and boost crop yields nationwide. The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, allocated N126 billion, aim to transform raw agricultural produce into finished goods, driving industrialisation and job creation. The Value Chain Development Project will receive N37.5 billion to strengthen every step from farm to market, enhancing efficiency and profitability for farmers and agribusinesses. The National Agricultural Land Development Authority will get N25 billion to clear land and establish modern farm facilities, while the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, receives N44.2 billion for infrastructure and research. The National Agricultural Development Fund is also allocated N94.6 billion, providing critical support to farmers and agribusiness ventures.
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The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation secures N838.7 billion, with N745.3 billion dedicated to capital expenditure, N85.1 billion for personnel and N8.3 billion for overhead costs. Headquarters receives N8.5 billion, with N5.5 billion set aside for research and development, while the bulk of the budget is directed to specialized agencies. The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute will receive N294.7 billion, nearly all for R&D focused on improving national infrastructure. The Energy Commission of Nigeria is allocated N257.8 billion to advance renewable and conventional energy research. The National Space Research and Development Agency is granted N56.2 billion, including N18.5 billion for space-based research initiatives. The Sheda Science and Technology Complex will receive N46.9 billion, with N44.2 billion dedicated to ongoing scientific research.
Operational overheads are carefully detailed, with the Science Ministry spending N30 million on staff refreshments, N65 million on motor fuel, and N45 million on honorariums. The Agriculture Ministry will spend N148.2 million on generator and plant fuel and N151.7 million on security services. Analysts describe the 2026 budget as a strategic investment in a farm and a laboratory simultaneously. Agriculture provides the “seeds and soil” in the form of fertilizers, land, and processing zones, while Science provides the “tools and blueprints” through research, space programmes, and energy innovations. From fertiliser distribution to satellite development, the 2026 budget targets both immediate needs and strategic investments.
If executed effectively, it could mark a turning point where agriculture and science work hand in hand to transform the economy and improve everyday lives across the nation.
Analysts note that by pairing agriculture with science, Nigeria can feed its people while developing the capacity to innovate in energy, infrastructure and space research.
Observers note that the allocations flaunt a wider economic strategy linking rural development, industrialisation and research to create jobs, increase productivity and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global knowledge economy.
