The Federal Government has unveiled the 2026 fiscal plan as a strategic roadmap to transition Nigeria from a period of difficult reforms to one of shared prosperity.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris disclosed this in a New Year op-ed titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters.”
He asserted that the 31-month journey of economic restructuring under President Bola Tinubu is now yielding measurable results.
The 2026 Appropriation Bill, themed the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” is designed to act as a multiplier for the gains recorded in late 2025.
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According to the minister, the budget aims to make economic stability a lived reality for all Nigerians.
He said the headline inflation has eased significantly, dropping toward the 14–15% range from previous highs.
Investor confidence is returning, with multinational firms re-evaluating opportunities in Nigeria, supported by a ₦6.69 trillion trade surplus in the third quarter of 2025.
External reserves have also strengthened, reaching a seven-year high of approximately $47 billion, providing a stable buffer for the Naira.
“These are not just numbers,” Idris stated. “They are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians.”
The ₦58.18 trillion budget prioritises security and infrastructure as key drivers to stimulate private-sector growth.
A total of ₦5.41 trillion has been allocated to defence and security, focusing on counter-insurgency operations and the recruitment of forest guards.
The budget earmarks ₦3.56 trillion for infrastructure development, including the Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, and the AKK Pipeline.
In the education sector, ₦3.52 trillion will support the expansion of NELFUND student loans and the 3MTT technical training programme.
Health initiatives receive ₦2.48 trillion to strengthen primary healthcare services and enhance disease prevention efforts.
Idris acknowledged the “fatigue” many citizens feel during the economic stabilisation phase but urged the public to reject misinformation.
He highlighted the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to engage 10 million Nigerians in productive economic activity by empowering 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards.
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On security, Idris cited the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger States as proof of a renewed focus that will be intensified in 2026.
“We have laid a new foundation,” Idris concluded. “Now, we must build the house together.”
