The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that the 2026 national budget is well-planned to solidify the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in an op-ed titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters,” noted that the economic reforms by the current administration are already yielding positive results.
The proposed 2026 budget, presented by President Tinubu in December 2025, totals ₦ 58.18 trillion, focusing on security, infrastructure, health, and education.
The key assumptions in the budget include a $64.85 oil benchmark, 1.84 million barrels of oil per day production, and a $1,400 exchange rate.
“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 stated.
Major allocations in the 2026 budget went to defense (₦5.41trn), infrastructure (₦3.56trn), education (₦3.52trn), and health (₦2.48trn).
According to the Minister, the last 31 months have been a period of difficult but necessary change, beginning with key economic decisions taken to end long-standing stagnation and build a more stable future.
He noted that signs of progress are beginning to emerge, with business activity expanding, investor confidence improving, inflation easing, and Nigeria’s external reserves strengthening. “These are not just numbers,” the Minister 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 its citizens.
