2026 budget to consolidate Tinubu’s reforms — Information minister
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the 2026 federal budget as a strategic instrument designed to consolidate the gains of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda and accelerate shared prosperity for Nigerians.
Idris stated this in an op-ed published on Monday in national newspapers, titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters.” According to him, the 2026 appropriation, tagged the Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity, reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening reforms already delivering results.
According to the minister, the past 31 months have involved difficult but necessary economic decisions aimed at ending long-standing stagnation and laying a foundation for sustainable growth. He noted that early signs of recovery are emerging across key indicators.
Idris explained that business activity is expanding, investor confidence is improving, inflation is easing, and external reserves are strengthening, stressing that these developments are critical to improving the daily lives of Nigerians.
He emphasised the importance of transparency and effective communication between government and citizens, reaffirming his commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about policies, challenges and progress.
The minister highlighted key interventions, including the student loan scheme under NELFUND, the Presidential CNG initiative to reduce transport costs, and youth programmes such as LEEP, the Jubilee Fellows Programme and the 3MTT initiative. He also cited efforts to tackle food insecurity through the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and expanded mechanisation.
On infrastructure, Idris pointed to major projects such as the Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline and new rail developments, while noting improved security efforts marked by the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger States.
Acknowledging public fatigue, the minister assured Nigerians that reforms would deliver faster relief, urging citizens to see nation-building as a shared responsibility. He praised President Tinubu’s leadership and said the Ministry of Information would remain open and consistent in communicating government actions, as he wished Nigerians a peaceful and productive year.
