Deborah Akinyosoye
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the 2026 Federal Government budget is designed to consolidate the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, which he described as already yielding positive results.
Idris made the remarks in an op-ed titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters”, published in national newspapers on Monday. The op-ed was highlighted in a statement signed by the minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.
President Tinubu had on December 19, 2025, presented the N58.18 trillion budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” to a joint sitting of the National Assembly.
Key allocations include N5.41tn for defence and security, N3.56tn for infrastructure, N3.52tn for education, and N2.48tn for health.
The budget also provides N26.08tn for capital expenditure, N15.25tn for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and N15.52tn for debt servicing.
During the presentation, the President vowed that 2026 would mark a decisive shift toward stronger discipline in budget execution and results-driven governance.
He announced the end of the long-standing practice of running multiple budgets, adding that the era of overlapping budgets, abandoned projects, inherited obligations, and perpetual rollovers must come to an end.
Describing the proposed 2026 appropriation as strategic, the minister said:
“Our ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’ is critical. It 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.”
Idris noted that the past 31 months of the Tinubu administration had involved difficult but necessary reforms aimed at ending long-standing economic stagnation and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
He added:“These are not just numbers. They are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians,”pointing to expanding business activity, improved investor confidence, easing inflation, and stronger external reserves as early indicators of progress.
Beyond economic measures, the minister emphasised the importance of trust and transparent communication between government and citizens, reaffirming his commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about policies, challenges, and progress.
He highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative to reduce transport costs, and youth-focused programmes such as the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, Jubilee Fellows Programme, and the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative.
On food security, he referenced the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and expanded agricultural mechanisation. He also pointed to major infrastructure projects, including the Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline, and new rail developments, which aim to improve connectivity and reduce costs.
Addressing security challenges, Idris said the government is strengthening recruitment, equipment, and international cooperation, noting the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger states.
Acknowledging public fatigue, he urged citizens to remain engaged, protect public assets, and reject misinformation.