“We’re moving from stabilisation to acceleration,” says Kashim Shettima as N58.18trn budget takes centre stage
Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and key party leaders on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to deepen grassroots mobilisation and drive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across the country.
The resolve was sealed at the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) Renewed Hope Ambassadors Summit 2026 held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Representing the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared that the Tinubu administration has completed its stabilisation phase and is now entering a new era of “acceleration” anchored on the proposed N58.18 trillion 2026 budget.
“As we advance into 2026, our focus shifts from stabilisation to acceleration. The N58.18trn budget shall anchor this new phase,” Shettima said, highlighting record capital expenditure, the largest-ever allocation to national security, and prudent revenue projections as pillars of the next growth phase.
He said the administration’s tax reforms were introduced to protect the vulnerable, encourage enterprise and entrench transparency in public finance, adding that recent executive measures on remittances were aimed at safeguarding federation revenues and eliminating waste.
According to the Vice President, tough fiscal decisions taken since inception have restored credibility, stabilised the economy and laid a foundation for long-term growth.
“Inflationary pressures are moderating, fuel prices are easing, and our currency is strong and stable,” he stated, adding that Nigeria attracted five of Africa’s seven major investment decisions in 2025.
Shettima urged party leaders to close ranks and prioritise unity, citing Benue State as an example where reconciliation is urgently needed. He appealed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Governor Hyacinth Alia to mend fences in the interest of progress.
“No reform can succeed without public understanding and participation,” the VP stressed, charging the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to counter misinformation, explain policy decisions and serve as a feedback bridge between citizens and government.
“Elections are conducted by Nigerians in wards, markets and campuses — not on social media,” he reminded.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, admitted that despite massive infrastructure strides by the Federal and state governments, poor communication has made achievements “invisible.”
“Good governance without communication is invisible,” he lamented, explaining that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors structure was created to bridge that gap.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hope Uzodinma, said stakeholders have chosen long-term national stability over short-term applause, pledging accurate and patriotic communication of reforms.
He pointed to improvements in food supply, rising oil and gas output and increased local refining capacity, including operations at the Dangote Refinery, as signs of economic rebound.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, called for inclusive engagement, while Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a unifying national message.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, speaking on behalf of the Federal Executive Council, expressed optimism about consolidating reforms in what he described as the “next chapter” of transformation.
The summit ended with a renewed pledge by APC governors and party leaders to translate policy into measurable impact — and to carry the Renewed Hope message from conference halls to the grassroots.
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