As Nigeria prepares for a future of declining global aid, the Federal Government has revealed that the 2026 budget will focus on ward-based development, infrastructure expansion, security enhancement, and domestic production growth.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement with the Nigeria International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) Forum in Abuja on Monday, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the plan is anchored on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The framework outlines revenue assumptions, production targets, and growth strategies aimed at propelling Nigeria toward its goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy.

Bagudu explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors had approved the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan, which will implement ward-specific programs across all 8,809 wards to promote localized economic prosperity.

In addition, the government will launch the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund to boost capital spending nationwide and scale up investments in security. “Training institutions of security agencies are being assessed under a committee led by the governor of Enugu State,” Bagudu noted, adding that $100 billion will be required to strengthen these institutions. He also recalled the President’s directive to recruit more security personnel and recall officers from non-operational roles.

The minister further disclosed that measures to curb revenue losses in crude oil, gas, and solid minerals sectors have been approved, targeting illegal mining of precious stones and gold. Domestic production will also be prioritised, with policies designed to support local industries.

Bagudu emphasised that engagement with INGOs is part of a broader effort to enhance coordination with development partners and strengthen local capacity for Nigeria’s 2026–2030 growth plans. INGOs, he said, play a key role in helping citizens understand economic reforms and in sharing lessons from global experiences.

“International NGOs have experience from other countries that can help Nigeria address its challenges more effectively,” he added, noting that public acceptance is critical for the success of ongoing reforms under President Tinubu’s leadership.

Camilla Higgins, Director of the Nigeria INGO Forum, warned that Nigeria faces a rapid transition away from foreign aid despite rising humanitarian needs. She highlighted that the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan, which sought $910 million, had achieved only 24% of its target.

“International development assistance is shrinking dramatically, but needs in Nigeria are rising. It is critical to build national capacity and redirect more domestic resources to meet these challenges,” Higgins said.

The government’s 2026 fiscal plan signals a shift toward domestic-led development, aiming to deliver economic growth, improved security, and sustainable social programs at the grassroots level, even as international support declines.