The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the 2026 Federal Government budget is designed to consolidate the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, which he said is already yielding positive results.
Idris stated this in an op-ed titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters”, published in national newspapers on Monday and highlighted in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Rabiu Ibrahim.
President Tinubu had on Dec. 19, 2025, presented the N58.18 trillion 2026 budget, themed *“Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,”* to a joint sitting of the National Assembly.
According to the minister, key allocations in the budget include N5.41 trillion for defence and security, N3.56 trillion for infrastructure, N3.52 trillion for education, and N2.48 trillion for health.
He said the budget also provides N26.08 trillion for capital expenditure, N15.25 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and N15.52 trillion 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.
President Tinubu also announced the end of the long-standing practice of running multiple budgets, saying the era of overlapping budgets, abandoned projects, inherited obligations and perpetual rollovers must come to an end.
Describing the proposed 2026 appropriation as strategic, Idris 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.”
The minister 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, Idris 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, the minister 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 he said are aimed at improving connectivity and reducing 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, the minister urged citizens to remain engaged, protect public assets and reject misinformation.
