The Federal Government says the 2026 budget has been carefully designed to consolidate the gains of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is beginning to yield positive results across key sectors of the economy.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in an op-ed published on Monday in national newspapers, titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters.”
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According to the Minister, the proposed 2026 budget, tagged the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” aims to strengthen ongoing reforms and translate emerging economic improvements into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
Idris noted that the past 31 months have been marked by difficult but necessary economic decisions intended to end long-standing stagnation and build a more stable future for the country.
He said early signs of progress are becoming evident, citing expanding business activity, improved investor confidence, easing inflation, and stronger external reserves.
“These are not just numbers; they are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians,” the Minister said.
Beyond economic indicators, Idris emphasised the importance of trust and transparent communication between the government and citizens, assuring Nigerians of continuous engagement and accountability.
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He highlighted several government interventions aimed at directly improving livelihoods, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative to reduce transportation costs, and youth-focused programmes such as the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), the Jubilee Fellows Programme, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.
The Minister also pointed to efforts to address food insecurity through the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and expanded agricultural mechanisation.
On infrastructure development, Idris listed major ongoing projects, including the Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and new rail projects aimed at reducing costs and improving national connectivity.
Addressing security challenges, the Minister said the government is strengthening recruitment, upgrading equipment, and enhancing international cooperation. He cited the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger States as evidence of renewed commitment to tackling insecurity.
Acknowledging the hardship and fatigue experienced by many Nigerians, Idris assured that the government remains focused on accelerating relief through sustained reforms. He urged citizens to see nation-building as a shared responsibility by engaging constructively, protecting public assets, and rejecting misinformation.
The Minister also praised President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that recent engagements with the United States had helped strengthen bilateral relations and support Nigeria’s anti-insurgency efforts.
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He reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would continue to communicate government policies and actions openly, while wishing Nigerians a peaceful and productive year ahead.