Vice President Kashim Shettima announces 2026 acceleration phase anchored on N58.18trn budget, urging APC leaders to unite and mobilise grassroots support
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima on Tuesday declared that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is transitioning from stabilisation in 2025 to acceleration in 2026, anchored on a N58.18 trillion national budget, as governors and leaders of the All Progressives Congress recommitted to grassroots mobilisation in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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Speaking at the Progressive Governors’ Forum Renewed Hope Ambassadors Summit 2026 held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima said the new fiscal framework signals a decisive shift towards growth and resilience.
“As we advance into 2026, our focus shifts from stabilisation to acceleration. The N58.18 trillion budget shall anchor this new phase,” the Vice President stated.
He noted that the proposal includes record capital expenditure, the largest security allocation in Nigeria’s history, and prudent revenue projections designed to scale growth while strengthening economic stability.
Shettima explained that the administration’s reforms, including landmark tax changes and a recent executive order on remittances to the federation account, were introduced to protect vulnerable citizens, entrench transparency, and curb waste.
According to him, the measures have restored fiscal credibility and laid a foundation for long-term expansion.
He added that inflationary pressures are moderating, fuel prices are easing, and the national currency has stabilised.
Citing investment data, the Vice President said five of Africa’s seven major investment decisions in 2025 were secured in Nigeria, underscoring renewed investor confidence.
However, Shettima warned that reform efforts require public understanding and participation.
He described the Renewed Hope Ambassadors as critical to bridging communication gaps between government and citizens.
“Ambassadors must explain why tough decisions had to be made and how they lead to jobs, security and opportunity.
They must counter misinformation with facts and replace rumour with evidence,” he said, urging them to extend engagement beyond conference venues into wards, markets and campuses nationwide.
The Vice President also called for reconciliation among party leaders, referencing tensions in Benue State and appealing to Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume and Governor Hyacinth Alia to mend differences for the state’s progress.
Earlier, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda acknowledged that inadequate communication had diminished visibility of government achievements.
“Good governance without communication is invisible,” he said, stressing that infrastructure gains must translate into political capital.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said the summit marked a deliberate effort to unify party structures and strengthen grassroots trust.
He argued that clearer communication would close perception gaps regarding falling food prices and improved oil production capacity.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a unifying national message, while Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun reaffirmed the Federal Executive Council’s commitment to deepening reforms and expanding investment flows.
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The summit concluded with a renewed pledge by APC governors to intensify mobilisation efforts as the administration advances into what Shettima described as a critical acceleration phase.
