The Federal Government says its proposed 2026 budget is intended to stabilise recent economic reforms and translate them into tangible outcomes for citizens, as the administration prepares to enter what it describes as a more disciplined phase of governance.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known in an opinion article published in national newspapers on Monday, according to a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.
President Bola Tinubu had on December 19, 2025, presented a N58.18 trillion appropriation bill to a joint session of the National Assembly. The proposal, tagged Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity, outlines spending priorities across security, infrastructure, social services and debt obligations.
Under the proposal, defence and security are allocated N5.41 trillion, while infrastructure is set to receive N3.56 trillion. Education and health are allotted N3.52 trillion and N2.48 trillion respectively. The budget also earmarks N26.08 trillion for capital expenditure, N15.25 trillion for recurrent spending excluding debt, and N15.52 trillion for debt servicing.
During the budget presentation, the President said the coming fiscal year would mark a turning point in budget implementation, with an emphasis on stricter execution and measurable outcomes. He also announced the discontinuation of overlapping budgets, citing the need to halt project abandonment, inherited liabilities and repeated rollovers.
Commenting on the proposal, Idris described the 2026 spending plan as a continuation of policies already in motion, noting that it seeks to reinforce programmes considered effective while extending their impact to a wider segment of the population.
He said the Tinubu administration’s first 31 months had involved difficult policy choices aimed at addressing structural weaknesses in the economy and setting the stage for long-term growth. According to him, recent developments such as increased business activity, improving investor sentiment, moderating inflation and stronger external reserves point to early signs of recovery.
The minister said the government views the budget figures as more than fiscal projections, adding that they are intended to support improvements in living standards across the country.
Beyond macroeconomic indicators, Idris stressed the role of consistent communication between government and the public, stating that his ministry would continue to provide updates on policy decisions, challenges and implementation progress.
He listed ongoing social and economic initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas programme aimed at reducing transport costs, and several youth-oriented schemes such as the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, Jubilee Fellows Programme and the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative.
On agriculture and food security, the minister referred to the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and expanded mechanisation efforts. He also cited major transport and energy infrastructure projects, including the Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline and new rail developments.
Addressing security concerns, Idris said the government is strengthening recruitment, equipment acquisition and international cooperation, pointing to the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger states as part of ongoing efforts.
He acknowledged growing public weariness with reform measures and called on citizens to remain engaged, safeguard public assets and be cautious of false or misleading information.
