The Federal Government is set to change how it measures success in 2026, putting more emphasis on improving the lives of Nigerians and less on high‑level economic numbers such as gross domestic product (GDP), the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Edun made the remarks in Lagos at the launch of the 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook Report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Under the approach outlined by Edun, the success of the 2026 budget, tagged the 2026 Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity, will be judged by how well it improves food availability, electricity supply and job creation across the country — not just by traditional macroeconomic ratios.
“It is no longer about the stabilisation of the economy; we have achieved that … 2026 is about scaling output and ensuring the benefits reach the household level,” he said.
Edun said the government plans to give priority to poverty reduction through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to bring 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity in all 8,809 wards nationwide.
He noted that enhancing access to affordable food, housing and jobs will be central to the policy shift.
The minister also highlighted support for farmers to raise productivity, lower costs and make food more affordable for Nigerians.
He said improvements in housing supply and food security are key parts of the government’s agenda for shared prosperity.
Edun explained that economic reforms already undertaken — including removing market distortions such as preferential foreign exchange access and fuel subsidies — have created a more transparent and competitive environment for investors and ordinary Nigerians. He said this creates a solid base for the new focus on citizen welfare.
He also noted a recent boost in investor confidence following Nigeria’s exit from the European Union’s high‑risk third‑country list, calling the development a “landmark achievement” that signals a stronger and more credible market environment.
In laying out the policy direction, Edun stressed that improvements in basic services and living standards should matter more to Nigerians than headline economic figures. “2026 is a pivotal year … ensure that stability translates into inclusive growth, jobs and shared prosperity.”
Next steps: The Federal Government will work with state governments, the private sector and development partners to implement these policy priorities.
The emphasis on welfare, employment and basic services is expected to shape budgeting and economic planning throughout 2026.
