adminis
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the 2026 budget is strategically designed to consolidate the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, which he noted is already yielding positive results.
Idris made this known in an op-ed published yesterday in national newspapers, titled, “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters.”
According to the minister, the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity” is aimed at strengthening reforms that are yielding results and ensuring that economic progress translates into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
“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,” Idris stated.
He described the last 31 months as a period of difficult but necessary decisions, beginning with bold economic reforms aimed at ending long-standing stagnation and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
The Minister noted that early signs of recovery are emerging, including expansion in business activity, improved investor confidence, easing inflation, and more substantial external reserves.
“These are not just numbers,” he said. “They are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians.”
Beyond economic indicators, Idris emphasised the importance of trust, transparency, and consistent communication between the government and its citizens.
He reaffirmed his commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about government policies, challenges, and progress.
He highlighted several social and economic interventions aimed at directly improving livelihoods, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative to reduce transportation costs, and youth-focused programmes such as the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), the Jubilee Fellows Programme, and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.
On food security, the Minister pointed to ongoing efforts such as the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and increased agricultural mechanisation to boost productivity and reduce food prices.
He also outlined major infrastructure projects, including the Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and new rail developments designed to lower logistics costs and improve national connectivity.
Addressing security concerns, Idris said the Federal Government is strengthening recruitment, improving equipment, and enhancing international cooperation.
He cited the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger states as evidence of renewed commitment to tackling insecurity.
Acknowledging the fatigue felt by many Nigerians, the Minister assured citizens that the government is accelerating efforts to deliver relief through sustained reforms.
He called for collective responsibility in nation-building, urging Nigerians to engage constructively, protect public assets, and reject misinformation.
Idris also praised President Tinubu’s calm and decisive leadership, noting that recent engagements with the United States had helped strengthen bilateral relations and boost 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.”
He reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would remain open, accountable, and consistent in communicating government policies and actions, while wishing Nigerians a peaceful and productive year ahead.
