The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that the 2026 national budget has been carefully structured to consolidate the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in an opinion article titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters”, in which he said the administration’s reforms were already yielding positive results.

The proposed 2026 budget, presented by President Tinubu to the National Assembly in December 2025, totals ₦58.18 trillion and prioritises spending on security, infrastructure, health, and education.

Key assumptions underlying the budget include an oil benchmark of $64.85 per barrel, daily crude oil production of 1.84 million barrels, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar.

“Our ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’ is critical,” Mr. Idris said. “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.”

Major allocations in the 2026 budget include defence (₦5.41 trillion), infrastructure (₦3.56 trillion), education (₦3.52 trillion), and health (₦2.48 trillion).

According to the minister, the past 31 months have been marked by difficult but necessary decisions, beginning with key economic reforms aimed at ending long-standing stagnation and building a more stable future.

He said signs of progress were beginning to emerge, with business activity expanding, investor confidence improving, inflation easing, and Nigeria’s external reserves strengthening.

“These are not just numbers,” Mr. Idris said. “They are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians.”

Beyond economic indicators, the minister emphasised the importance of trust and clear communication between the government and citizens, reaffirming his commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about government actions, challenges, and progress.

He highlighted several interventions designed to directly impact lives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative to reduce transport costs, and youth-focused programmes such as the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), the Jubilee Fellows Programme, and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.

Mr. Idris also cited ongoing efforts to tackle food insecurity through the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and expanded mechanisation.

On infrastructure, he highlighted major projects such as the Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and new rail developments aimed at reducing costs and improving national connectivity.

Addressing security, the minister said the government was strengthening recruitment, equipment acquisition, and international cooperation. He cited the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger States as evidence of renewed focus and commitment.

Acknowledging the fatigue many Nigerians feel, Mr. Idris assured citizens that the government was committed to accelerating the delivery of relief through sustained reforms.

He urged Nigerians to see nation-building as a shared responsibility, calling on citizens to engage constructively, protect public assets, and reject misinformation.

The minister praised President Tinubu for his calm and decisive leadership, noting that recent engagements with the United States had strengthened bilateral relations and Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.

As the new year begins, Mr. Idris urged Nigerians to remain focused on the future.

“We have laid a new foundation,” he said. “Now, we must build the house together.”

He reiterated that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would remain open, accountable, and consistent in communicating government policies and actions, while wishing Nigerians a peaceful and productive year ahead.