President Bola Tinubu has outlined plans to build what he described as a “secure, competitive, and prosperous Nigeria” in 2026, following a year of consolidating reforms and strengthening national foundations.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at an end-of-year press conference in Abuja, held on the directive of the President.
According to Idris, 2025 was largely devoted to stabilisation across key sectors, while 2026 would focus on translating those gains into sustained growth, improved security, and national prosperity.
“The journey of 2025 was one of reinforcing and strengthening foundations. The mission of 2026 is to raise the edifice of a secure, competitive, and prosperous Nigeria upon it,” the minister said.
Idris began the briefing by announcing the release of abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State, describing it as a major security achievement.
Reviewing the administration’s 2025 performance, he cited economic indicators including a Gross Domestic Product growth rate of 3.98 per cent in the third quarter, a gradual decline in inflation, external reserves of about $44.56 billion, and a trade surplus of N6.69 trillion.
He also highlighted developments in the power sector, infrastructure financing, agriculture, youth empowerment and investor confidence, noting that Nigeria exited the Financial Action Task Force Grey List and recorded a heavily oversubscribed Eurobond issuance.
On security, Idris said the Federal Government declared a nationwide security emergency in 2025, which led to increased recruitment into the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force, as well as plans to deploy forest guards nationwide.
He said armed groups involved in kidnapping, attacks on farmers and terrorising communities would henceforth be classified and treated as terrorist organisations.
The minister also said the Nigeria Education Loan Fund had provided interest-free loans and stipends totalling over N150 billion to more than 788,000 Nigerian students.
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Looking ahead, Idris said newly appointed ambassadors would assume duty in 2026 to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relations and global engagements.
He further disclosed that President Tinubu’s proposed N58.18 trillion budget for 2026 prioritised defence and security, which received the largest allocation of N5.41 trillion. The budget, tagged “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” is aimed at deepening reforms, protecting lives and property, and boosting economic competitiveness.
Idris said the administration believes the “temporary pains” of ongoing reforms are yielding long-term gains, adding that Nigeria is positioning itself for sustained growth and stronger global relevance.
Tinubu’s administration came into office amid significant economic challenges, including high inflation, foreign exchange volatility and rising debt. The government has implemented fiscal, monetary and subsidy reforms, which it says are necessary to stabilise the economy and support long-term development.
Security remains a key focus of the administration’s agenda, with officials linking improved safety to economic growth, job creation and national stability. Opposition parties, however, have criticised the government’s assessment of economic and security conditions, arguing that it does not reflect realities on the ground.