The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has described the 2026 budget as a carefully structured instrument aimed at consolidating the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, which he said is already producing positive outcomes.

Idris made the remarks in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim.

He explained that the 2026 fiscal plan, titled Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity, is designed to strengthen ongoing reforms and translate economic recovery into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

“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 said.

According to the minister, the past 31 months have been marked by difficult but necessary decisions, beginning with major economic reforms introduced to end long-standing stagnation and place the country on a path of sustainable stability.

He stated that early signs of progress are becoming evident, noting improvements in business activity, growing investor confidence, easing inflation, and a steady rise in Nigeria’s external reserves.

“These are not just numbers; they are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians.”

Beyond economic performance, Idris stressed the importance of rebuilding trust between the government and the people through transparent and consistent communication.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to keeping Nigerians informed about government actions, the challenges being faced, and the progress being recorded.

The minister highlighted several interventions aimed at directly improving the lives of citizens, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund student loan programme and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative designed to reduce transportation costs.

He added that other initiatives include youth-focused programmes such as the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, the Jubilee Fellows Programme, and the Three Million Technical Talent initiative.

Idris also pointed to ongoing efforts to address food insecurity through the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and the expansion of mechanised farming nationwide.

On infrastructure development, he listed major projects currently underway, including the Coastal Highway, the Sokoto to Badagry Motorway, the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano Gas Pipeline, and new rail projects aimed at lowering costs and improving national connectivity.

Speaking on security, the minister said the Federal Government is strengthening recruitment, upgrading equipment, and enhancing international cooperation to improve national security outcomes.

He cited the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger States as clear evidence of renewed focus and commitment by the government.

According to Idris, the administration remains determined to accelerate the delivery of relief to Nigerians through sustained reforms across key sectors.

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

The minister commended President Tinubu for what he described as calm and decisive leadership, noting that recent engagements with the United States had helped strengthen bilateral relations and boost Nigeria’s anti-insurgency efforts.

“As the new year begins, I urge Nigerians to stay focused on the future. We have laid a new foundation; now, we must build the house together.”

Idris concluded by reiterating that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation would remain open, accountable, and consistent in communicating government policies and actions to the public.