The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the 2026 budget is a carefully structured roadmap aimed at consolidating the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reform agenda.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister described the budget, tagged “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” as critical to sustaining progress already made.
According to Idris, the budget reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen reforms that are yielding results, solidify economic gains, and ensure that prosperity is shared more broadly among Nigerians.
He noted that the last 31 months have been marked by difficult but necessary decisions to address long-standing economic challenges and lay the foundation for a more stable future.
The minister said there are emerging signs of progress, including expanded business activity, improved investor confidence, easing inflation, and stronger external reserves.
“These are not just numbers; they form the basis for lasting improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians,” he said.
Beyond economic indicators, Idris stressed the importance of transparency and trust between the government and citizens, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about policies, challenges, and achievements.
He highlighted several programmes 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 LEEP, the Jubilee Fellows Programme, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.
The minister also pointed to efforts to address food insecurity through the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and increased agricultural mechanisation.
On infrastructure development, he cited major projects including the Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and new rail developments designed to enhance national connectivity and reduce costs.
Addressing security, Idris said the Federal Government is strengthening recruitment, improving equipment, and expanding international cooperation.
He referenced the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger States as evidence of renewed commitment to national security.
He urged Nigerians to view nation-building as a collective responsibility by engaging constructively, safeguarding public assets, and rejecting misinformation.
The minister commended President Tinubu’s calm and decisive leadership, noting that recent engagements with the United States had strengthened bilateral relations and supported Nigeria’s anti-insurgency efforts.
“As the new year begins, Nigerians should remain focused on the future. A new foundation has been laid, and the task now is to build together,” Idris said.
He reaffirmed that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation would remain open, accountable, and consistent in communicating government policies and actions.
NAN