2026 ‘Budget of Consolidation’ to lock in gains — Minister
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has claimed that the 2026 budget represents a “well-planned instrument to solidify the gains” of President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is already delivering positive results.
Titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters,” the piece by the minister outlines how the last 31 months of “difficult but necessary change” have sparked economic progress.
Idris highlighted expanding business activity, rising investor confidence, easing inflation, and bolstered external reserves as key indicators.
“These are not just numbers. They are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians,” he emphasised.
The minister positioned the upcoming “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity” as a pivotal tool to accelerate these wins.
“Our ’Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’ is critical. It is a commitment to double down on what is working, to solidify gains, and to ensure that the shared prosperity we speak of becomes a lived reality for more Nigerians, faster,” Idris wrote.
Idris spotlighted people-centered initiatives like the NELFUND student loan program, the Presidential CNG initiative to cut transport costs, youth empowerment through LEEP, Jubilee Fellows, and 3MTT, plus agricultural boosts via Bank of Agriculture recapitalization and mechanization to fight food insecurity.
On infrastructure, he touted megaprojects including the Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, AKK Gas Pipeline, and new rail lines to slash costs and boost connectivity.
Security gains were also noted, from enhanced recruitment and equipment to international partnerships, exemplified by recent student rescues in Kebbi and Niger states.
Acknowledging public fatigue, Idris stressed transparent communication and called for shared nation-building.
He praised Tinubu’s “calm and decisive leadership,” citing recent U.S. engagements that bolstered anti-insurgency ties.
“We have laid a new foundation,” he concluded.
“Now, we must build the house together.”
