The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that the 2026 national budget is strategically designed to consolidate the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms and accelerate inclusive growth.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in an op-ed titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters,” where he said the administration’s policy decisions were already delivering measurable results.
President Tinubu presented the proposed 2026 budget to the National Assembly in December 2025, with a total expenditure of ₦58.18 trillion, prioritising security, infrastructure, health and education.
Key assumptions underlying the budget include a $64.85 oil benchmark, daily oil production of 1.84 million barrels, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar.
“Our Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity is critical,” Idris said. “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.”
According to the budget breakdown, major allocations were made to defence (₦5.41 trillion), infrastructure (₦3.56 trillion), education (₦3.52 trillion) and health (₦2.48 trillion).
Idris described the past 31 months as a period of “difficult but necessary change,” marked by bold economic decisions aimed at ending years of stagnation and laying the foundation for long-term stability.
He noted that early signs of recovery were becoming evident. “Business activity is expanding, investor confidence is improving, inflation is easing, and Nigeria’s external reserves are strengthening,” the Minister said. “These are not just numbers. They are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians.”
Beyond macroeconomic indicators, Idris stressed the importance of trust, transparency and effective communication between the government and citizens, pledging that Nigerians would continue to be informed about government actions, challenges and progress.
He highlighted several social and economic interventions targeted at improving livelihoods, including the student loan scheme under NELFUND, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative to cut transport costs, and youth-focused programmes such as LEEP, the Jubilee Fellows Programme and the 3MTT initiative.
On food security, the Minister said the government was addressing rising costs through the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and expanded mechanisation initiatives.
He also pointed to major infrastructure projects underway, including the Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and new rail developments designed to boost connectivity and reduce logistics costs nationwide.
Addressing security concerns, Idris said the Federal Government was 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.
While acknowledging the fatigue felt by many Nigerians, the Minister assured citizens that the government was determined to accelerate relief and sustain reform momentum.
He urged Nigerians to see nation-building as a collective responsibility, calling on citizens to engage constructively, safeguard public assets and resist misinformation.
Idris also commended President Tinubu’s “calm and decisive leadership,” noting that recent engagements with the United States had strengthened bilateral relations and boosted Nigeria’s anti-insurgency efforts.
“As the new year begins, we must stay focused on the future,” he said. “We have laid a new foundation. Now, we must build the house together.”
The Minister reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would remain open, accountable and consistent in communicating government policies, as he wished Nigerians a peaceful and productive year ahead.
