The Presidency says the proposed 2026 federal budget of N58.18 trillion is aimed at consolidating reforms, boosting growth and tackling security and social challenges, not just expanding spending for its own sake. The aggregate expenditure is about six per cent higher than the 2025 estimate of N49.7 trillion, reflecting what officials describe as a more ambitious but targeted fiscal plan.
According to presidential officials, the increase is driven mainly by higher allocations to defence, internal security and law enforcement in response to persistent insurgency, banditry and other threats. The 2026 plan earmarks about N5.41 trillion for security related spending, making it one of the largest single components of the budget.
The budget also scales up capital investment in infrastructure, including roads, rail, power and public assets needed to support private sector led growth. Government argues that sustained infrastructure funding is necessary to reduce business costs, attract investment and create jobs, even under tight fiscal conditions.
Social sectors such as health, education and social welfare are another reason for the higher figure, with additional funds set aside for programmes that cushion the impact of inflation and subsidy reforms on vulnerable households. The Presidency says these allocations are meant to protect the poor while broader reforms work to stabilise the economy.
On the revenue side, the government is banking on the new tax reform laws and improved non oil revenue collection to support the bigger budget size. Officials insist that better administration, a broader tax base and digital systems will help raise more funds without overburdening compliant taxpayers.
President Bola Tinubu has told lawmakers that the 2026 budget is built around consolidation, renewed resilience and shared prosperity, following early signs of stabilisation in growth, inflation and external reserves. However, critics remain concerned about rising debt service and the realism of revenue targets, warning that implementation will be key to whether the larger budget delivers real benefits.
About the author
Pomp and splendour as King Charles hosts Tinubu and wife at historic UK state visit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu were hosted with pomp and splendour by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years . Military President Ibrahim Babangida was the last Nigerian leader to pay a state visit in 1989, following earlier state visits by former President Shehu Shagari in 1981 and General Yakubu Gowon, all of whom were hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II . Tinubu and his wife were received by senior royals, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, before being escorted to meet the King and Queen for the formal welcome . Because the visit coincides with Ramadan, there was no traditional lunch with the King, but the President and First Lady were still treated to […]
White House says China agrees to postpone Trump Beijing trip
The White House says China has agreed to postpone United States President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing, which was originally scheduled to take place in about two weeks . White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Washington is now working with Beijing to secure a new date for the trip as soon as possible . Trump had earlier announced that he would delay his Asia tour because of the demands of the ongoing war with Iran, saying he expected to make the trip in about five or six weeks but without giving a firm date . In a response to Reuters, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington said head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations . The embassy said China and the United States will continue to maintain communication on President […]
Pete Edochie says his prayers helped six politicians win elections
Veteran actor Pete Edochie says his prayers contributed to the electoral victories of six Nigerian politicians in the last election cycle . He made the remark while hosting streamer Peller at his residence in Enugu, where he recalled how the politicians visited him before the polls to seek his blessings . Edochie said that two years ago, six people running for political offices came to his house with a big ram and kolanuts, and that he prayed for them . According to him, all six later went on to win their respective elections, which he believes was a result of divine favour . The Nollywood legend said his requests to God are usually granted and maintained that those he has prayed for tend to record success .
Benin Queen palace officials risk removal over Peller’s unauthorised visit
The Benin Traditional Council has warned that a palace queen and some officials may face removal and other sanctions over streamer Peller’s unauthorised visit to the Oba of Benin’s palace . In a statement signed by BTC Secretary Frank Irabor, the council described the incident as a serious breach of palace protocol and a desecration of the sacred precincts of the royal court . Peller, whose real name is Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, reportedly visited the palace on March 6 during a nationwide tour and was received by some palace staff and chiefs . The council said he entered the premises without the required permission and that his conduct and that of his entourage caused embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the palace grounds . It stressed that the Oba’s palace is not a public thoroughfare or a venue […]
Spyro says God changed his story after 16 years in music
Afrobeats singer Spyro says 16 years of struggle in the music industry finally paid off three years ago, crediting God for changing his story and lifting his career . In a post shared on social media, he recalled going through a period of deep disappointment and hardship just before his breakthrough came . He explained that it was at his lowest point that things began to turn around, which he believes was a clear sign of divine intervention . Spyro now uses his experience to encourage others who feel stuck or are thinking of giving up on their dreams . He urged them to stay committed, keep working and trust that their own turnaround can still happen no matter how long they have been struggling . The singer said he has been pushing his music for 16 years and never […]
Spyro says God changed his story after 16 years in music
Afrobeats singer Spyro says 16 years of struggle in the music industry finally paid off three years ago, crediting God for changing his story and lifting his career . In a post shared on social media, he recalled going through a period of deep disappointment and hardship just before his breakthrough came . He explained that it was at his lowest point that things began to turn around, which he believes was a clear sign of divine intervention . Spyro now uses his experience to encourage others who feel stuck or are thinking of giving up on their dreams . He urged them to stay committed, keep working and trust that their own turnaround can still happen no matter how long they have been struggling . The singer said he has been pushing his music for 16 years and never […]
Related
Pomp and splendour as King Charles hosts Tinubu and wife at historic UK state visit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu were hosted with pomp and splendour by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years . Military President Ibrahim Babangida was the last Nigerian leader to pay a state visit in 1989, following earlier state visits by former President Shehu Shagari in 1981 and General Yakubu Gowon, all of whom were hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II . Tinubu and his wife were received by senior royals, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, before being escorted to meet the King and Queen for the formal welcome . Because the visit coincides with Ramadan, there was no traditional lunch with the King, but the President and First Lady were still treated to […]
CDS COAS DG NEMA relocate to Maiduguri after Tinubu directive
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency have relocated to Maiduguri, Borno State, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive . The move comes in response to a recent surge in Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks and bombings in Borno, including deadly explosions in Maiduguri, the state capital . Tinubu had ordered all service chiefs and heads of key security agencies to move to Maiduguri to coordinate intensified operations aimed at quickly restoring security and public confidence in the North East . On Wednesday, Oluyede and Shaibu arrived at the Maiduguri Air Force Base, where they were received by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and other senior officers . The service chiefs later proceeded […]
Tinubu and First Lady receive royal welcome as UK state visit opens
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun his historic state visit to the United Kingdom with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, where he was received by King Charles III . This is the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, marking a significant milestone in relations between both countries . Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, was honoured with a 42 gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery as part of the formal arrival ceremonies . Earlier, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, welcomed the Nigerian First Family and escorted them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at the historic royal residence . The two day visit will see the King host the president and his wife at Windsor Castle, with activities including an exchange of official gifts and […]
NAF strikes Borno terrorist hideouts after failed attacks
The Nigerian Air Force has carried out precision airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Abirma, Borno State, destroying several structures and neutralising many fighters along the southern axis of the Lake Chad region . NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the strikes were launched on Tuesday, March 17, after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance confirmed the presence of terrorists in the settlement . He explained that follow up aerial surveillance spotted insurgent movements around concealed structures hidden under thick vegetation, a tactic the terrorists often use to avoid detection . Once the targets were positively identified and verified in line with NAF’s operational procedures, air assets executed precision strikes on the locations . According to Ejodame, the strikes destroyed multiple terrorist structures and disrupted their activities, with preliminary battle damage assessment indicating that their capacity to use the area as a […]
Tinubu sets March 31 exit deadline for appointees eyeing 2027 polls
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given ministers and other presidential appointees nursing political ambitions until March 31, 2026, to resign from their positions . The directive was issued through a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and is aimed at creating a level playing field ahead of next year’s general election . According to the statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Nengak Goshit, the order is to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries . INEC’s timetable stipulates that primaries to select candidates for the January and February 2027 elections must be held between April 23 and May 30, after which parties will submit their candidate lists and electronic registers of members . […]
Will more defence funds make Nigeria safer
Nigeria has spent about 32.88 trillion naira on defence in the last 15 years, roughly 12.5 percent of total national budgets of 262.834 trillion naira in that period, yet insecurity remains widespread across the country . Despite these rising allocations, many communities still face insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and oil related violence, raising doubts about whether more money alone can make Nigerians safer . Security trackers estimate that over 100,000 people have been killed in violent incidents since 2012, with thousands abducted and about 3.726 million citizens displaced and living in roughly 3,900 camps nationwide . The trend has continued into 2026, with at least 1,091 deaths recorded from violent attacks in just the first 41 days of the year, underscoring the scale of Nigeria’s security crisis despite years of increased defence spending . Against this backdrop, the National […]