2026 Budget to Consolidate Tinubu’s Reform Gains — Minister
The Federal Government has said the 2026 budget is designed to consolidate the gains of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, which are already yielding positive results across key sectors.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in an op-ed published in national newspapers on Monday, titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters.”
Idris said the proposed 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” is aimed at deepening reforms and accelerating shared prosperity for Nigerians.
“Our budget is a commitment to double down on what is working, to solidify gains, and to ensure that the shared prosperity we speak of becomes a lived reality for more Nigerians, faster,” the minister said.
According to him, the past 31 months have been marked by difficult but necessary decisions taken to end long-standing economic stagnation and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
He noted that early signs of recovery are becoming evident, including expanding business activity, improving investor confidence, easing inflation, and strengthening external reserves.
“These are not just numbers,” Idris said. “They are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians.”
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The minister also stressed the importance of trust and transparent communication between the government and citizens, pledging that his ministry would continue to keep Nigerians informed about government policies, challenges, and progress.
Highlighting social interventions, Idris listed initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas programme to reduce transport costs, and youth-focused schemes including the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, Jubilee Fellows Programme, and the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative.
He added that the Federal Government is addressing food insecurity through the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and expanded agricultural mechanisation.
On infrastructure, Idris cited ongoing projects such as the Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, AKK Gas Pipeline, and new rail developments aimed at boosting connectivity and reducing logistics costs.
Addressing security, the minister said the government is strengthening recruitment, equipment, and international cooperation, pointing to the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger states as evidence of renewed commitment.
Acknowledging public fatigue over economic hardship, Idris assured Nigerians that reforms are being accelerated to deliver tangible relief, urging citizens to see nation-building as a shared responsibility.
He commended President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that recent engagements with the United States had strengthened bilateral relations and Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.
“We have laid a new foundation,” Idris said. “Now, we must build the house together.”
The minister reaffirmed that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation would remain open, accountable, and consistent in communicating government actions, while wishing Nigerians a peaceful and productive year ahead.
