The Federal Government has earmarked billions of naira for computer software acquisition and high-tech infrastructure projects across key ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), underscoring a growing focus on digital transformation, national security and efficient service delivery in Nigeria’s public sector.
According to budget details, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is leading the pack in software spending, with a provision of N7.58 billion dedicated to software acquisition. The funds are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity management system, which supports the National Identification Number (NIN) project and underpins access to government services, financial inclusion and security operations nationwide.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is also making significant investments in technology. The office has allocated N2.45 billion for high-tech security software under a specific project code, ERGP14226525. The spending is aimed at boosting intelligence gathering, surveillance, data analysis and coordination among security agencies in the face of rising security challenges.
Another major spender is the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NCCC), which operates under the ONSA. With a total capital budget of N24.5 billion, the NCCC has set aside N2.1 billion specifically for software and digital tools. Beyond software, the centre plans to spend N3.5 billion on the protection of national information infrastructure, N3.36 billion on the construction of its headquarters, and N2.71 billion to upgrade its Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) systems. These investments reflect growing concerns over cyber threats, data breaches and digital attacks targeting government systems and critical infrastructure.
Other MDAs have also made notable provisions for software acquisition. The Federal Ministry of Finance has allocated N1.09 billion to support its digital finance and enterprise systems, while the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has committed N1.01 billion to improve border control, passport processing and migration management platforms. These systems play a critical role in national security, revenue generation and international travel management.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), which supports the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, plans to spend N710.5 million on software tools to enhance data analysis and financial intelligence operations. Similarly, Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET) has earmarked N612.5 million to upgrade its enterprise resource planning and business process management systems, as part of efforts to improve efficiency in the power sector.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), chaired by Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has set aside N487.5 million for ICT software and forensic tool licences. These tools are critical for investigating financial crimes, tracking illicit funds and prosecuting corruption cases. The Ministry of Defence headquarters is also budgeting N388.6 million for software acquisitions tied to broader capital projects, reflecting the military’s increasing reliance on digital systems for operations and administration.
Rounding out the top ten spenders is the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), led by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, which plans to spend N297.5 million on a digitalisation data portal aimed at improving engagement with Nigerians living abroad and managing diaspora-related data more efficiently.
In total, about 115 MDAs are listed for software acquisition in the current budget cycle, but these ten agencies account for the largest allocations. The investments span critical sectors such as identity management, cybersecurity, finance, power, immigration, defence and anti-corruption, highlighting the central role of technology in modern governance.
Experts say the scale of these allocations shows that the government increasingly recognises technology as a key tool for national security, data-driven decision-making and efficient public service delivery. Analysts also note that beyond software licences, MDAs are investing in wider high-tech infrastructure, including cybersecurity systems, digital defence tools, enterprise platforms and online service portals.
However, industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the economic impact of heavy reliance on foreign software solutions. According to experts in the local tech ecosystem, Nigeria could gain more value if a significant portion of these funds were channelled towards locally developed software and homegrown technology companies.
A senior member of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) noted that most government agencies still prefer imported software, even when local alternatives are available and suitable. He said this practice leads to capital flight and limits the growth of Nigeria’s domestic software industry. ISPON estimates that the country loses about N156 billion every year to software importation, much of it driven by MDAs’ preference for foreign products.
Despite these concerns, analysts agree that the budget figures reflect a clear national push towards digital modernisation. With rising cyber risks, complex security challenges and increasing demand for efficient government services, technology spending is expected to remain a priority. The key issue going forward, experts say, will be how well these funds are utilised and whether future policies will strike a better balance between imported solutions and local innovation.
