President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill, estimated at about ₦58 trillion, to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, outlining the federal government’s fiscal and economic priorities for the coming year.
The proposed spending plan, described by the president as a budget focused on consolidation, resilience, and shared prosperity, is aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability, improving security, accelerating infrastructure development, and cushioning Nigerians from ongoing economic pressures.
Key Budget Highlights
According to figures presented to lawmakers, the 2026 budget projects a fiscal deficit of about 4.28 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reflecting the government’s continued reliance on borrowing to fund part of its expenditure while working to boost revenue generation.
Security and defence received one of the largest allocations, underscoring the administration’s focus on addressing persistent challenges such as terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime. Other priority sectors include health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and social welfare, which the government says are critical to long-term growth and human capital development.
Economic Assumptions and Revenue Drive
In his address, Tinubu emphasized the need for fiscal discipline and efficient budget implementation, noting that recent economic reforms were beginning to stabilise key indicators. The budget is built on conservative macroeconomic assumptions, including crude oil production and pricing benchmarks, as well as improved performance from non-oil revenue sources.
The president assured lawmakers that his administration remains committed to expanding the revenue base, reducing waste, and ensuring that public spending delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
Next Steps
With the presentation completed, the 2026 budget proposal will now undergo legislative scrutiny, including debates, committee reviews, and possible amendments by the National Assembly before passage and eventual assent.
The budget process is expected to attract close public attention, particularly around allocations to security, social services, and infrastructure, as Nigerians look to the 2026 fiscal year for improved economic conditions and service delivery.
References
- Vanguard Newspaper – Breaking: Tinubu presents N58 trn 2026 budget
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/breaking-tinubu-presents-n58-trn-2026-budget/ - Reuters – Nigeria projects 2026 deficit of 4.28% of GDP as Tinubu proposes spending plan
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-projects-2026-deficit-428-gdp-tinubu-proposes-spending-plan-2025-12-19/ - Ripples Nigeria – Tinubu presents N58.1tr 2026 budget to National Assembly
https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/tinubu-presents-n58-1tr-2026-budget-to-national-assembly/ - BusinessDay Nigeria – Security, health top priorities as Tinubu proposes ₦58.47trn 2026 budget
https://businessday.ng/news/article/security-health-top-priorities-as-tinubu-proposes-%E2%82%A658-47trn-2026-budget/
