The Imo State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah, has said that the 2026 budget presented to the joint session of the National Assembly on Friday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is backed by results already recorded under his Renewed Hope administration.
Opiah made this known while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a visionary, people-centred and security-driven 2026 Appropriation Bill, saying the budget clearly demonstrates the President’s tested commitment to national development and sustainable peace.
Reacting to the President’s budget speech themed “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” Rt. Hon. Opiah said the proposal marks a decisive shift from economic stabilisation to inclusive growth, stronger governance, and enhanced national security.
According to him, the 2026 Budget consolidates the gains of recent economic reforms while laying a firm foundation for accelerated development across critical sectors of the economy.
“President Tinubu has once again shown courage, clarity and consistency in leadership. This budget reflects not just sound economic thinking, but a deep understanding of the everyday realities of Nigerians. It is a budget designed to secure the nation, grow the economy, and uplift the people,” Opiah said.
Opiah noted that the allocation of ₦5.41 trillion to defence and security underscores the administration’s recognition that security is the bedrock of national development. He praised the President’s firm stance against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and all forms of violent crime, including the introduction of a new national counter-terrorism doctrine.
“The President’s resolve to classify all armed non-state actors as terrorists and invest in modernising our Armed Forces sends a strong message that Nigeria will not surrender its sovereignty to criminals. This commitment will restore confidence, encourage investment and stabilise communities,” he said.
The Imo State Renewed Hope Ambassador highlighted significant investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and agriculture, describing them as deliberate interventions to drive job creation and improve living standards.
He pointed to the ₦3.56 trillion infrastructure allocation, which targets roads, energy, transport and productivity-enhancing projects, as a major catalyst for economic growth. He also praised the ₦3.52 trillion education budget, including the expansion of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has already supported over 788,000 students nationwide.
In healthcare, Opiah welcomed the ₦2.48 trillion allocation, representing about 6 per cent of the total budget, alongside international partnerships that will inject over US$500 million into Nigeria’s health sector.
“These investments show that this administration understands that national strength begins with educated minds, healthy citizens and modern infrastructure,” he said.
Opiah also lauded the focus on agriculture and food security, particularly plans by the Bank of Agriculture to support the cultivation of one million hectares, expand mechanisation and strengthen agro-value chains.
According to him, these measures will reduce post-harvest losses, create hundreds of thousands of jobs and boost rural incomes, especially in agrarian states.
The former federal lawmaker and former Minister of State for Education said the 2026 Budget builds on President Tinubu’s proven track record of reform, citing improvements in economic growth, declining inflation, rising external reserves and renewed investor confidence as evidence of purposeful governance.
“This is not a budget of empty promises. It is backed by results already recorded under President Tinubu’s leadership. His commitment to national development is both avowed and tested,” Opiah stated.
Rt. Hon. Opiah called on the National Assembly to expedite the consideration and passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, stressing that timely approval would ensure early implementation and faster delivery of benefits to Nigerians.
“In the spirit of national interest and shared responsibility, I urge our distinguished legislators to work swiftly with the Executive. Nigerians are eager to see the full impact of this budget, and time is of the essence,” he said.
He assured that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Imo State would continue to mobilise support for the President’s policies and engage citizens on the opportunities embedded in the 2026 Budget.
“With unity of purpose between the Executive, Legislature and the people, Nigeria will continue on the path of security, growth and shared prosperity,” Opiah added.
