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 Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which he said is already yielding positive results.
Idris made this known 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 cited in a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Describing the 2026 appropriation proposal 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.”
He noted that the last 31 months under the Tinubu administration had involved difficult but necessary reforms aimed at ending long-standing economic stagnation and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
According to him, early indicators of progress are emerging, including expansion in business activity, improved investor confidence, easing inflation and strengthening external reserves.
“These are not just numbers. They are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians,” he said.
Beyond economic indicators, Idris emphasised the importance of trust and transparent communication between the government and citizens, reaffirming his commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about policies, challenges and progress.
He highlighted interventions targeted 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, the Jubilee Fellows Programme and the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative.
The minister also referenced efforts to address food insecurity through the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and expanded agricultural mechanisation.
On infrastructure, he cited projects such as the Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline and new rail developments aimed at enhancing national connectivity and lowering costs.
Addressing security challenges, Idris said the Federal Government is strengthening recruitment, equipment and international cooperation, noting the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger states.
He acknowledged public fatigue but urged Nigerians to remain engaged, protect public assets and reject misinformation.
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