Information Minister Says Economic Reforms Are Paying Off, Assures Nigerians of Shared Prosperity
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the 2026 national budget is carefully structured to consolidate the gains of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms and position the country for sustainable growth.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in an opinion article titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters,” where he highlighted early signs of recovery driven by the administration’s reform agenda.
President Tinubu presented the proposed ₦58.18 trillion 2026 budget to the National Assembly in December 2025, with priority spending targeted at security, infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Key economic assumptions underpinning the budget include an oil price benchmark of $64.85 per barrel, daily oil production of 1.84 million barrels, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar.
Describing the spending plan as the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” Idris said the government is committed to strengthening policies that are already delivering results.
“This budget reflects our resolve to deepen reforms that are working, lock in the gains achieved so far, and ensure that prosperity is felt more quickly and broadly by Nigerians,” the Minister stated.
Defence, Infrastructure Lead Allocations
According to the budget breakdown, defence received the largest allocation of ₦5.41 trillion, followed by infrastructure with ₦3.56 trillion, education with ₦3.52 trillion, and healthcare with ₦2.48 trillion.
Idris noted that the past 31 months have been marked by tough but unavoidable decisions aimed at correcting long-standing economic imbalances and restoring stability.
He pointed to improving indicators such as expanding business activity, rising investor confidence, easing inflation, and stronger external reserves as evidence that the reforms are beginning to yield dividends.
“These developments are more than statistics,” he said. “They form the basis for real and lasting improvements in the everyday lives of Nigerians.”
Focus on People-Centered Interventions
Beyond macroeconomic reforms, the Minister highlighted government programmes designed to directly support citizens, including the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative to reduce transport costs, and youth empowerment schemes such as LEEP, the Jubilee Fellows Programme, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.
Efforts to address food security were also outlined, with ongoing plans to recapitalise the Bank of Agriculture and expand mechanised farming nationwide.
Major Infrastructure and Security Push
On infrastructure development, Idris listed flagship projects such as the Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and new railway projects aimed at improving connectivity and reducing the cost of doing business.
In the area of security, he said the government is intensifying recruitment, upgrading equipment, and strengthening international partnerships. He cited the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger States as proof of renewed commitment to protecting lives.
Call for Patience and National Unity
Acknowledging the fatigue and hardship faced by many Nigerians, the Minister assured citizens that the government is working to accelerate relief while staying committed to long-term reforms.
He urged Nigerians to see nation-building as a collective effort by engaging constructively, safeguarding public assets, and resisting misinformation.
Idris also commended President Tinubu’s leadership style, noting that recent engagements with the United States have strengthened bilateral relations and bolstered Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.
As the new year unfolds, he encouraged Nigerians to remain focused on the future.
“A new foundation has been laid,” he said. “Now, it is time for all of us to build together.”
The Minister reaffirmed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation remains committed to transparency, accountability, and consistent communication, while wishing Nigerians a peaceful and productive year ahead.
