2026 Budget: 2 Federal Ministries Allocate N209.9bn For Computer Software, Research, Others

…N12.6bn for building of warehouses

The Federal Ministry of Finance and its Budget & Economic Planning counterpart have earmarked a substantial N209.9 billion for the acquisition of non-tangible assets in the 2026 fiscal year, as outlined in the 2026 budget proposal currently before the National Assembly.

Details of the proposed budget reveal that the Federal Ministry of Finance, under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edun, is seeking approval for N198.9 billion to invest primarily in computer software and research and development.

Additionally, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has proposed N11 billion for similar acquisitions related to research and development.

Moreover, a notable allocation of N12.6 billion has been designated for the construction of automated warehouses across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Each warehouse is set to cost approximately N2.1 billion.

However, the budget lacks details regarding their intended locations, specific functionalities, and the timeline for completion. This silence has contributed to uncertainty about how these warehouses will enhance the country’s logistical capabilities and overall economic infrastructure.

In tandem with these expenditures, the Ministry of Finance has also proposed   N39 million for anti-corruption initiatives, aimed at addressing systemic issues that hamper economic growth.

Apart from that, the federal government has also earmarked a whopping N300 billion for “special intervention/constituency projects under its service-wide votes, which is notorious for the hibernation of public funds that are never subjected to public scrutiny.

The N58.48 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill under review has a striking contrast in federal spending priorities: the amount set aside for top government travel appears to overshadow the budgeted health spending per citizen, especially at the primary healthcare level. The contrast raises pressing questions about fiscal priorities amid ongoing healthcare challenges.

According to detailed breakdowns from the State House estimates within the 2026 Appropriation Bill, published by the Budget Office of the Federation, the Presidency has earmarked at least N12.2 billion specifically for travel and transport costs for top political officials in the 2026 budget cycle.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s travel: N7.01 billion total — including N6.14 billion for foreign travels and N873.9 million for local engagements.

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s travel: N1.73 billion — including international and domestic trips. General travel/transport for State House operations: N3.43 billion.

The figures appear under the line items for “Travel & Transport” within the State House Headquarters’ component of the federal budget (2026 Appropriation Bill, Presidency/State House Votes). The travel vote covers airfare, logistics, accommodation and related expenses for the President, Vice President and select aides across domestic and overseas engagements.

By contrast, the health sector’s allocation in the 2026 budget — encompassing all federal health spending — stands at approximately N2.48 trillion, representing roughly 4.3% of the federal budget.

Based on Nigeria’s estimated population of about 237.5 million people, this translates into: Approximately N10, 400 per citizen for the entire health sector for the year, or about N870 per person per month.

The N10, 400 per citizen figure includes all federal health spending, not just primary healthcare programmes, which generally receive a subset of total health funds. Front-line primary healthcare centres are funded through a mix of federal, state, and local government allocations; however, federal primary healthcare funding is significantly lower than the aggregate health budget figure.

As deliberations on the budget proceed in the National Assembly, lawmakers will need to critically evaluate these allocations, aiming to ensure that the proposed expenditures align with the immediate needs of the Nigerian populace. The outcome of this budget proposal could have a significant impact on the nation’s fiscal landscape and the public’s trust in governmental financial stewardship.