The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the 2026 Federal Government budget is structured to consolidate the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reform agenda, which he noted is already showing 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 article was later highlighted in a statement signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.
President Tinubu had on December 19, 2025, presented the N58.18 trillion 2026 budget to a joint sitting of the National Assembly. The budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” prioritises security, infrastructure, education and health.
According to the breakdown, N5.41 trillion was allocated to defence and security, N3.56 trillion to infrastructure, N3.52 trillion to education, and N2.48 trillion to health. 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, President Tinubu pledged that 2026 would usher in stronger discipline in budget execution and a shift toward results-driven governance. He announced the end of the long-standing practice of running multiple budgets, stressing that overlapping budgets, abandoned projects and perpetual rollovers would no longer be tolerated.
Describing the proposed appropriation as strategic, Idris said the budget reflects the administration’s resolve to build on existing progress.
“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 stated.
The minister noted that the last 31 months of the Tinubu administration had been marked by tough but necessary reforms aimed at breaking long-standing economic stagnation and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
“These are not just numbers. They are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians,” Idris said, citing expanding business activity, improved investor confidence, easing inflation and stronger external reserves as early signs of progress.
Beyond economic reforms, Idris emphasised the importance of trust and transparent communication between government and citizens, reaffirming his commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about policies, challenges and achievements.
He highlighted initiatives 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, 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 efforts. He also pointed to major infrastructure projects such as the Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline and new rail developments, aimed at improving connectivity and reducing costs.
Addressing security concerns, Idris said the government is strengthening recruitment, equipment and international cooperation, noting the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger states.
While acknowledging public fatigue, the minister urged Nigerians to remain engaged, safeguard public assets and reject misinformation, stressing that sustained progress requires collective responsibility.
