The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has described the 2026 budget as a strategic tool to consolidate the progress of President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Idris made the remarks in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, in Abuja on Tuesday.
“Our ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’ is critical.
“It reflects a commitment to strengthen what is already working, safeguard existing gains, and ensure that shared prosperity reaches more Nigerians, more quickly,” Idris said.
The minister noted that the past 31 months have involved challenging but necessary reforms, starting with key economic decisions aimed at ending long-standing stagnation and laying a foundation for a stable future.
He highlighted early signs of progress, including expanding business activity, growing investor confidence, easing inflation, and strengthening Nigeria’s external reserves.
“These figures are more than statistics—they form the basis for tangible improvements in the everyday lives of Nigerians,” he said.
Idris emphasised the importance of trust and clear communication between the government and citizens, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about policies, challenges, and achievements.
He pointed to initiatives designed to directly improve lives, such as the student loan programme (NELFUND) and the Presidential CNG scheme to reduce transport costs.
Other youth-focused initiatives mentioned include LEEP, the Jubilee Fellows Programme, and the 3MTT initiative.
The minister also highlighted measures to address food insecurity, including recapitalising the Bank of Agriculture and expanding agricultural mechanisation.
On infrastructure, Idris cited major projects like the Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, the AKK Gas Pipeline, and new rail developments aimed at cutting costs and enhancing national connectivity.
Regarding security, he outlined efforts to strengthen recruitment, equip security forces, and foster international cooperation, citing the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger States as an example of renewed commitment.
He stressed that ongoing reforms are intended to accelerate the delivery of relief and improve public services.
Idris called on Nigerians to view nation-building as a shared responsibility, urging constructive engagement, protection of public assets, and rejection of misinformation.
He commended President Tinubu for his calm and decisive leadership, noting that recent diplomatic engagements with the United States strengthened bilateral relations and supported Nigeria’s anti-insurgency efforts.
“As we enter the new year, I encourage Nigerians to focus on the future. A new foundation has been laid, and it is now up to all of us to build on it together,” he said.
The minister assured that his ministry will continue to operate with transparency, accountability, and consistency in communicating government policies and progress.