1. Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology's Core Mission
2. Misaligned Projects with the Ministry’s Mandate
3. Implications of Mission Drift

Nigeria's 2024 budget reveals deviations from the core mission of the Ministry of Science and Technology, sparking concerns about this shift.

Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology's Core Mission

The Ministry's mission is to promote scientific research, technological innovation, and development in Nigeria. However, some projects in the 2024 budget stray from this focus. For instance, large-scale infrastructure projects such as construction and rehabilitation of rural roads, installation of solar-powered street lights, and drilling of boreholes are now under the Ministry's purview.

Misaligned Projects with the Ministry’s Mandate

The Ministry of Science and Technology plans to execute projects totaling over ₦11 billion, including: • Construction and rehabilitation of roads costing ₦500 million and rural roads costing ₦225 million. • Continuation of public building renovations, construction of motor parks, and cassava processing plants. • Solar lighting projects costing over ₦2.4 billion: solar-powered street lights in Gombe South and other areas. • Agricultural projects and provision of fertilizers and boreholes to farmers. While these initiatives benefit the communities, they do not align with the Ministry's core objectives of scientific and technological advancement.

Implications of Mission Drift

The Ministry risks weakening its ability to conduct scientific research and technological innovations if it engages in projects not related to its core mission. This may reduce its capability to attract partnerships and funding, ultimately slowing Nigeria's technological progress and competitiveness in the global digital economy. Moreover, it could affect the trust of stakeholders, including tech entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors.

Nigeria's Ministry of Science and Technology faces the risk of diversion from its core mission. For long-term progress, it is crucial that the Ministry focuses on its primary objectives of scientific and technological innovation.