Tag: Renewed Hope Agenda

  • 2026 Budget Aimed at Locking in Economic Reform Gains, Minister Says

    2026 Budget Aimed at Locking in Economic Reform Gains, Minister Says

    According to The Nation reporting on January 6, 2026, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris has clarified that the federal government’s current fiscal plan is designed specifically to cement the benefits of ongoing structural reforms. The Minister highlighted that the ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’ represents a commitment to double down on effective policies while ensuring that improved economic indicators—such as easing inflation and strengthened external reserves—translate into tangible benefits for citizens. Idris acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians over the past 31 months but maintained that the difficult decisions were necessary to end long-standing stagnation. He emphasized that recent expansions in business activity and improved investor confidence serve as the foundation for lasting national improvement. The fiscal strategy has been validated by other major outlets including Vanguard and The Punch. According to Vanguard, the budget focuses on ‘strengthening the economy, boosting jobs, and infrastructure.’ In a parallel report, The Punch noted the government’s stance that the ‘2026 budget to strengthen economy, boost jobs, infrastructure – FG’ is a pivotal move for the current administration.

    Echotitbits take: This move signals the government’s shift from ‘survival mode’ to ‘consolidation mode.’ By focusing on infrastructure and job creation in the 2026 cycle, the Tinubu administration is attempting to lower the high cost of living before the next electoral cycle gains full momentum. Watch for how the National Assembly prioritizes capital expenditure in the coming weeks.

    Source: ThePunch – https://punchng.com/2026-budget-to-consolidate-tinubus-reform-gains-minister/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: ThePunch

  • NELFUND says ₦154.3bn disbursed to nearly 789,000 students since loan scheme launch

    NELFUND says ₦154.3bn disbursed to nearly 789,000 students since loan scheme launch

    Photo credit: NELFUND
    2025-12-17

    At a virtual briefing, NELFUND says it has disbursed ₦154.3 billion in student loans since the scheme began, with almost 789,000 students counted as beneficiaries across 262 public tertiary institutions.

    The figures suggest the programme has scaled quickly, with the fund splitting disbursements between institutional fees and upkeep allowances to students, while still managing verification and duplicate‑application challenges.

    Beyond the headline number, the policy stakes are high: the scheme is meant to expand access to education without immediate repayment pressure, but its credibility depends on transparent reporting, timely payments to schools, and fair beneficiary selection.

    As the programme grows, questions around repayment administration after graduation, fraud controls, and institutional compliance will become more prominent.

    BusinessDay: “NELFUND has disbursed a total of ₦154.37 billion to 788,947 students…”

    TheCable: “The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) says 788,947 students have so far benefited… out of 1,193,228 applications received…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: If the data holds up under scrutiny, the scheme could be one of the most consequential social programmes of this cycle. Watch for independent audits, repayment‑tracking systems, and how the fund handles application surges without delays.

    Source: Punch — December 17, 2025 — https://punchng.com/n154-3bn-student-loans-disbursed-in-19-months-nelfund/